ICC World Cup 2023: ICC Snubs Pakistan’s Requests to Change World Cup Venues in India
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down the objections raised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the schedule and venues for their matches in the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. The final schedule, announced on Tuesday by the ICC and BCCI, confirms that Pakistan will play against arch-rivals India in Ahmedabad, as initially proposed in the draft. The PCB had also requested to swap the venues for their games against Afghanistan and Australia, but their plea was ignored.
The PCB had expressed concerns that playing against Afghanistan in Chennai would put them at a disadvantage due to the favorable spin conditions at Chepauk, which could benefit Afghanistan’s quality spinners. The PCB had asked the ICC and BCCI to reschedule their match against Afghanistan from Chennai to Bengaluru and the game against Australia from Bengaluru to Chennai.
However, none of Pakistan’s objections or requests were given any consideration, and even the semi-finals have been scheduled in Mumbai and Kolkata, despite PCB’s reservations about playing in Mumbai due to political and diplomatic reasons.
The ICC’s decision to reject Pakistan’s requests was not entirely unexpected, as the organization typically addresses concerns over venues based on potential security threats rather than cricketing grounds.
Pakistan’s participation depends on government clearance
With the elections for the post of PCB chairman postponed until at least July 17, it remains to be seen how the board will react to the World Cup schedule announcement. An official source revealed that the schedule would be sent to the government for clearance, as Pakistan’s participation in the tournament and their matches in Ahmedabad on October 15 or in Mumbai for the semi-finals would depend on government approval.
“Our participation in the World Cup and us playing in Ahmedabad on October 15 or in Mumbai if we qualify for the semi-finals will all be dependent on government clearance,” the source further stated.
The PCB has already informed the ICC that their participation in the tournament and any concerns over venues are contingent upon receiving clearance from the government. It should be noted that the government has not yet issued any NOC (No Objection Certificate) to the PCB for traveling to India, and given the sensitivity of the matter, the board can only proceed once clear directives are received from the government.
Pakistan last played in India in 2016 in the T20 World Cup.
READ ALSO:- ICC World Cup 2023 Schedule, Venue, and Matches
A look at Pakistan’s fixtures in ODI World Cup 2023
Here is a table summarising Pakistan’s fixtures in ODI World Cup 2023:
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 6 | Qualifier 1 | Hyderabad |
| Oct 12 | Qualifier 2 | Hyderabad |
| Oct 15 | India | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Oct 20 | Australia | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Oct 23 | Afghanistan | Chennai |
| Oct 27 | South Africa | Chennai |
| Oct 31 | Bangladesh | Kolkata |
| Nov 12 | England | Kolkata |
Pakistan will begin their campaign in Group B with a match against Qualifier 1 team on October 6 at Hyderabad. They will then face Qualifier 2 team on October 12 at Hyderabad. Their third match will be against India on October 15 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. They will then take on Afghanistan on October 23 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Their fourth match will be against Australia on October 20 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Their last group stage match will be against England on November 12 at Kolkata.
The top four teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals, which will be held from October 28 to November 1. The semi-finals will be held on November 15 and November 16 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, and Eden Gardens, Kolkata respectively. The final will be held on November 19 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Pakistan’s chances of winning the World Cup
Pakistan have never won an ODI World Cup in India, and their record against the hosts is dismal. They have lost all their six matches against India in the World Cup history, and have not beaten them in a bilateral series in India since 2005. They have also struggled against Afghanistan in recent times, losing three out of their last four matches against them. Australia and West Indies are also formidable opponents, who have won the World Cup five and two times respectively.
Pakistan will need to overcome their historical and psychological barriers, as well as their inconsistent performances if they want to lift the trophy for the second time after 1992. They will also need to adapt to the different conditions and pitches in India and play with passion and aggression.
Pakistan have some talented players in their ranks, such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman, who can make an impact in the tournament. They will also hope that their experienced players like Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, and Wahab Riaz will provide them with stability and guidance.
Pakistan has a history of being unpredictable and resilient, and they have often performed well when least expected. They will need to show the same spirit and character that they displayed in the Champions Trophy 2017 when they defied all odds and beat India in the final to win the title.
Pakistan has a tough challenge ahead of them, but they also have a chance to create history and glory for themselves and their nation.
