Pakistan Expresses Concerns Over Cricket Team’s Security in World Cup Clash with India
Pakistan’s government has announced that the country’s cricket team will participate in the upcoming World Cup in India, but they have expressed deep concerns regarding the security of their team. The foreign ministry released a statement stating that Pakistan is conveying these concerns to the International Cricket Council and the Indian authorities. They expect the safety and security of the Pakistan Cricket Team to be ensured during their visit to India.
The highly anticipated clash between Pakistan and India is scheduled to take place on October 15 in Ahmedabad, the home city of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had previously expressed reservations about playing in the 130,000 capacity Ahmedabad stadium, citing a potentially hostile crowd. The PCB even threatened to boycott the World Cup after India refused to send its team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup.
Following India’s refusal, the Asia Cup, initially set to take place from August 30 to September 17, was rescheduled on a hybrid model with four matches in Pakistan and the remaining nine in Sri Lanka. Pakistan criticized India’s hard-line stance and blamed them for stalling cricket ties due to the 2008 militant attacks in Mumbai.
The two countries have not engaged in a bilateral series since 2012 and have only faced each other in multinational events, with the last encounter occurring in the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia in October 2022. Pakistan’s decision to participate in the World Cup shows their constructive and responsible approach compared to India’s intransigent attitude toward the Asia Cup.
Despite the strained bilateral relations, Pakistan has consistently maintained that sports and politics should not be mixed. Consequently, they have decided to send their cricket team to India, fulfilling their international sports-related obligations. The Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that the state of bilateral relations with India should not hinder their commitment to international sports.
The Cricket World Cup 2023 is set to run from October 5 to November 19 in India. Pakistan’s decision to participate in the tournament signifies their focus on sports, separate from political issues. By adhering to their international obligations, Pakistan aims to encourage a collaborative and inclusive approach to cricket.
The announcement by Pakistan’s government has stirred anticipation among cricket fans worldwide. The clash between Pakistan and India during the World Cup will undoubtedly be an intense and closely watched match. As preparations continue, both teams and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the thrilling encounter on October 15.
