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Pakistan’s sports minister, Ehsaan Mazari, said that if India won’t travel to Pakistan for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2023, then the Men in Green may also consider pulling out of the World Cup 2023. Pakistan has the hosting rights for the upcoming mega-continental tournament, whereas, the biggest ICC tournament, World Cup 2023 is slated to be hosted in India in the months of October and November.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier denied sending the Indian cricket team to the neighbouring nation, citing security concerns. Later, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) locked in a hybrid model, according to which Pakistan and Sri Lanka will jointly host the Asia Cup 2023. However, the Sports Minister of Pakistan, Ehsaan Mazari has said that Pakistan will also demand of playing World Cup games at neutral venues if India demands of playing at neutral venues in the Asia Cup 2023.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Mazari said, "My personal opinion, since the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) comes under my ministry, is that if India demands to play their Asia Cup games at a neutral venue, we would also demand the same for our World Cup games in India." Mazari is of the opinion that India’s reason for not visiting Pakistan is invalid as there are no security concerns in the country.
The Pak Sports Minister added, “The New Zealand team was here, before that the England cricket team was in Pakistan. They got presidential security. Earlier, the Indian team was given a hearty welcome by the fans here. Security is an excuse. We also held the Pakistan Super League (PSL) that had so many foreign players.”
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Mazari also mentioned that India’s unwillingness to play in Pakistan confused him. He went on to say, “India brings sports into politics. I don’t understand why the Indian government doesn’t want to send their cricket team here. Some time back a huge baseball contingent from India was in Islamabad to play. There was also the bridge team that had travelled to Pakistan. There were around 60 plus people, I was the chief guest of the event. They won here and left. Pakistan’s football, hockey and chess teams also travel to India.”
Notably, the 2023 edition of the Asia Cup will be organised in Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 31 to September 17. Pakistan will host four matches whereas, the remaining nine games will take place in India’s other neighbour, Sri Lanka.
