Pakistan: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan on Sunday has given nod to allow the Pakistan cricket team to travel to India for ICC World Cup 2023.
Pakistan has raised security concerns for its cricket team’s participation in the ICC World Cup 2023, especially during their match against India in Ahmedabad.
In a statement, the Pakistan government asserted that the state of bilateral relations with India should not hinder their commitment to fulfilling international sports-related obligations.
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However, they expressed apprehension about the safety of their players and officials while on tour in India.
The Foreign Office conveyed these concerns to both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Indian authorities, seeking assurance that full security measures would be put in place to safeguard the Pakistan cricket team during their stay in India.
The decision on Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup had been uncertain, with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif forming a committee to assess the situation.
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The committee, headed by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, comprised various ministers and officials from national security institutions, as well as the foreign secretary.
The committee recommended sending a delegation to India to review the security arrangements and assess the feasibility of the team’s participation. After evaluating the situation, the committee communicated its concerns to the relevant authorities and the ICC.
ICC World Cup 2023 – Pakistan Match Schedule:
- 6 October: Pakistan vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
- 12 October: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
- 14 October: Pakistan vs India in Ahmedabad
- 20 October: Pakistan vs Australia in Bengaluru
- 23 October: Pakistan vs Afghanistan in Chennai
- 27 October: Pakistan vs South Africa in Chennai
- 31 October: Pakistan vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
- 4 November: Pakistan vs New Zealand in Bengaluru
- 12 November: Pakistan vs England in Kolkata
