Pakistan Confirms ICC World Cup Participation in India, Expresses Security Concerns
The Pakistani government has officially announced that its national cricket team will participate in the upcoming ICC World Cup in India. However, there are concerns about the team’s security during the tournament.
In a statement issued by the Pakistan foreign ministry, it was emphasized that Pakistan has always believed that sports should not be mixed with politics. Therefore, despite the current strained bilateral relations between Pakistan and India, Pakistan has decided to send its cricket team to participate in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
There had been speculation about Pakistan’s participation in the ICC World Cup, particularly because India refused to send its team for the Asia Cup matches held in Pakistan. However, Pakistan has made it clear that it will not let the state of bilateral relations hinder its international sports-related obligations.
While confirming the team’s participation, the foreign office expressed deep concerns about the team’s security. Pakistan intends to convey these concerns to the International Cricket Council and Indian authorities, expecting the full safety and security of the Pakistan Cricket Team during their visit to India.
Interestingly, the statement drew a contrast between Pakistan’s constructive and responsible approach and India’s intransigent attitude. Pakistan highlighted that, unlike India’s refusal to send its Cricket Team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, Pakistan has shown eagerness to fulfill its international obligations.
Back in 2019, diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan were officially downgraded following the dissolution of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional autonomy. Since then, relations between the two countries have remained hostile.
Previously, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had agreed to hold the Asia Cup under a ‘hybrid model’, where matches would be played in both Pakistan and a neutral venue. This arrangement would have allowed India to participate in the Asia Cup without traveling to Pakistan. With India’s participation in the Asia Cup confirmed, it was widely expected that the PCB had given its tacit approval for the national cricket team to compete in the ICC World Cup as well.
However, after a change in PCB leadership, there seems to have been a rollback on this understanding. After the World Cup schedule was announced in June, the PCB stated that government clearance would still be needed for the team’s tour of Indian cities during the tournament.
With Pakistan now officially confirming their participation, the BCCI is yet to announce the rescheduled dates for the matches, including those scheduled to be held in Pakistan. The World Cup is just two months away, adding to the urgency.
The confirmation of Pakistan’s participation in the ICC World Cup brings relief to cricket fans eagerly awaiting the tournament. However, the concerns expressed regarding the team’s security highlight the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India. As the event draws closer, it remains to be seen how these concerns will be addressed by the International Cricket Council and Indian authorities.
