Written by Vaibhav Tripathi
A committee meeting, headed by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was held on Thursday, August 3, to address Pakistan’s involvement in the upcoming 2023 World Cup in India. The committee has directed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to ensure water-tight security assurances for the Babar Azam-led side during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India, which will be played in October-November.
The PCB will correspond with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the matter, and will ask for written assurance regarding the security arrangements. While some members, including former Foreign Minister Hina Kher and current Information Minister Maryum Aurangzeb advocated for the team’s tour, Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ehsan Ur Rehman Mazari expressed opposition.
Sources indicate the meeting had a positive outcome, emphasizing on the separation of politics and sports. If security measures similar to those provided in 2016 are guaranteed, the PCB will proceed with sending the team.
In preparation, a security delegation will assess arrangements before the team’s departure for India. The delegation will review security measures at each of the venues hosting Pakistan’s matches. The final decision on Pakistan’s participation will hinge on security clearance, with an official press release expected on Friday.
Pakistan is set to compete in the World Cup in India later this year, from October to November. Their inaugural match is scheduled against the Netherlands on October 6 in Hyderabad, followed by a highly anticipated encounter with arch-rivals India on October 15 in Ahmedabad. However, a couple of Pakistan’s matches including the one against India is all set to be pre-poned.