Pakistan’s World Cup participation in India depends on government approval

Pakistan’s government has yet to approve the country’s participation in the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to emphasize that they cannot unilaterally approve the proposed fixture list. The final decision rests with the Pakistani government, as it is their authority to determine whether the team will participate and where they will travel.

The draft schedule for the 2023 World Cup, which is set to commence on October 5, includes an India vs Pakistan fixture in Ahmedabad, scheduled for 10 days after the start of the tournament. Pakistan is expected to play matches across five venues during the league phase. However, they have not toured India since the 2016 T20 World Cup.

The announcement of the World Cup schedule has been significantly delayed, as itineraries are typically released at least a year in advance. A potential update may be provided on June 27, according to recent reports.

PCB chairman Najam Sethi suggested that the delay could be due to the PCB requiring more time to respond to the ICC’s request for feedback on the itinerary from participating countries and broadcasters. Sethi stated that the PCB cannot confirm Pakistan’s participation without government approval.

The timeframe for the Pakistani government’s decision remains uncertain, especially considering the upcoming general elections in October. In 2016, the PCB sought government clearance before a three-member team conducted venue reconnaissance in India. Ultimately, Pakistan’s match at Dharamsala was moved to Kolkata due to security concerns.

Sethi has taken up the issue with the Prime Minister, but no deliberations have taken place yet. The decision regarding Pakistan’s tour of India depends on the stability and preferences of the future government. Sethi emphasized that both the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cannot make the decision; it ultimately rests with the respective governments.

In the coming months, India and Pakistan are scheduled to face each other multiple times, starting with the Asia Cup in August. The tournament, hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, was organized in response to the BCCI’s statement that India would not visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup. The PCB initiated discussions with all participating boards, leading to a consensus. While the full schedule is expected to be released soon, it is known that four matches will be held in Pakistan, with the remaining nine taking place in Sri Lanka, including the final. If both teams progress, India and Pakistan will face each other twice in the group stages and potentially once more in the final.

Sethi expressed that the hybrid model proposed by the PCB was a rational solution to the hosting issue. The schedule is being finalized, with ongoing discussions and requested changes. It was agreed that there will be four matches in Pakistan before the teams travel to Sri Lanka. Sethi clarified that there is a misconception about there being two hosts, as all gate receipts belong to Pakistan. However, the logistical challenges of organizing a tight schedule and addressing various issues were significant. The PCB worked closely with broadcasters and the participating countries to overcome these obstacles.