PCB officials are waiting for a written assurance

Sethi explained that just like the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the PCB also cannot decide on sending their team to India without the permission of their government. Therefore, the only way for Pakistan to participate in the event is to hold it in a neutral country. If the Indian team does not come to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, then a hybrid model will have to be adopted for the World Cup.

Although there is no security problem in Pakistan and the team has not denied visiting India, the government has not yet given the green light. The ODI World Cup is scheduled to take place in India in October this year, and there are still doubts about Pakistan’s participation. The ICC has not received any written assurance from the PCB, and an ICC board member has stated that the decision of Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup depends on the BCCI. The PCB cannot guarantee to send their team to the event, and it has to be decided by the government of Pakistan.

Pakistan’s matches in the World Cup are scheduled to be held in four cities in southern India, with most of their matches being played in Chennai. The highly anticipated match against India is planned to take place in Ahmedabad, where the capacity of the stadium is more than 100,000. Although the PCB has expressed concern about the India-Pakistan match at this venue, they are ready to play in Ahmedabad if they reach the final.

Najam Sethi, in an interview with an Indian TV channel, expressed his concern that if the Indian team does not come to Pakistan, then they will have to adopt a “hybrid model” in the World Cup. He questioned why the BCCI cannot send their team to Pakistan when the Indian basketball and blind cricket teams can come to Pakistan. He added that cricket did not stop even during the riots in India, and there is no security problem in Pakistan.

During the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Bahrain, Jai Shah asked whether any member had any objection to visiting Pakistan for the Asia Cup, but no one raised any concerns. Sethi emphasized that they do not have any preference for a neutral venue and are ready to visit anywhere. He also mentioned that they want to get compensation from ticket sales wherever the event is held. He had a recent conversation with a representative sent by Mary Jay Shah, who seemed impressed with their plans regarding the Asia Cup.

In conclusion, Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming cricket World Cup still remains uncertain, and it is up to the government of Pakistan to give permission for their team to travel to India. The PCB cannot guarantee to send their team to the event, and they may have to adopt a “hybrid model” if the Indian team does not come to Pakistan for the Asia Cup.