A high-profile committee led by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has been established by the federal government to discuss the country’s participation in the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, which is being hosted by India. The strained relations between Pakistan and India, coupled with security concerns in the neighbouring country, have cast doubts on Pakistan’s involvement in this highly anticipated cricket tournament.
The committee led by Foreign Minister Bilawal will provide recommendations on all matters related to the World Cup in India. The final decision regarding Pakistan’s tour will be based on these recommendations, which will be sent to the prime minister for approval.
The committee also includes Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister of Inter-Provincial Coordination Ehsan-ur-Rehman Mazari, chiefs of national security institutions, and the foreign secretary.
Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had stated that the government approval is necessary for the team to travel to India. The PCB then sent a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif seeking clearance for Pakistan’s participation in the tournament. In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz established a high-level body.
It’s worth noting that in 2016, the government dispatched a three-person delegation to India for a reconnaissance tour ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. As a result of security concerns, the ICC relocated Pakistan’s match against India from Dharamsala to Kolkata.
The ICC recently unveiled the schedule for the World Cup 2023, featuring a Pakistan-India match on October 15 in Ahmedabad. The five venues allocated for Pakistan matches are as follows:
– October 12: vs Qualifier in Hyderabad
– October 15: vs India in Ahmedabad
– October 20: vs Australia in Bengaluru
– October 23: vs Afghanistan in Chennai
– October 27: vs South Africa in Chennai
– October 31: vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
– November 5: vs New Zealand in Bengaluru
– November 12: vs England in Kolkata