With the announcement of the World Cup schedule, there is just one uncertainty left. A question that remains unanswered. Will Pakistan play ball and agree to face India in Ahmedabad, or will they force a change closer to the tournament? In 2016, during the World T20, they did so. A security delegation raised issues with Dharamsala, and the match was ultimately moved to Kolkata. Will there be a repeat this time round?
Soon after the schedule announcement, the PCB issued the following release, through Sami Ul Hasan, its Communications Director. “The PCB requires the Government of Pakistan’s clearance for any tour to India, including the match venues,” it said. “We are liaising with our government for guidance, and as soon as we hear something from them, we will update the Event Authority (ICC). This position is consistent to what we had told the ICC a couple of weeks ago when they shared with us the draft schedule and sought our feedback.”
Also Read: Can India Stretch World Cup-Winning Streak against Pakistan to Eight?
What this doesn’t say is the following, and that’s what a PCB source confirmed to RevSportz.
“In all likelihood, the PCB will send a security delegation to India to inspect the venues,” said the source. “That’s what had happened in 2016 also. To make an informed decision, we will need to do this close to date, so around end-August or early-September. Only after the delegation gives it report can the government take the final decision.”
The source went on to add, “If you see the statement of the foreign minister after the Goa summit, he has clearly stated that sports and politics should not mix. If you read into it, you know what it means. Having said that, you need to wait for the government to take the final call. And for that, we need to wait for a couple of months at least.”
So it is safe to say that the schedule, finally announced on Tuesday, June 27, could see a final twist if the PCB decides to push for a change. And if that happen when the start of the tournament is just a month away, it will create a real organisational nightmare.