In preparation for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India, Pakistan's participation has been a subject of discussion and planning. A high-level committee, headed by the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, was tasked with making the decision regarding the cricket team's travel to India.
Given the sensitive political relations between the two neighbouring countries, the committee carefully considered all aspects before granting conditional approval for the cricket team's travel to India. The committee's primary concern revolved around the safety and security of the players, coaching staff, and fans during their stay in India.
To address these concerns, the committee decided to approach the Apex Cricket Council, the governing body of cricket, seeking written assurances over the security arrangements that would be put in place for the duration of the tournament. This conditional approval ends the jeopardy over the participation of the Pakistan cricket team in the upcoming ODI World Cup.
Notably, this all started as retaliation from the Pakistan Cricket Board after India decided not to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. India cited security reasons to avoid travelling to Pakistan for the continental tournament. However, both parties agreed to shift the Asia Cup from Pakistan to Sri Lanka, which led to retaliation from the Pakistan government and Cricket organisation.
Will Pakistani cricketers travel to India?
This question is still unanswered, as Pakistani players are reportedly unhappy with PCB. Their Central contract has already expired, and players are yet to extend it. It has been reported that Pakistani players are demanding a hike in their pay scale, which is comparatively low among top cricket boards. If PCB fails to convince players, it will be interesting to see how they respond.
It's worth noting that India is set to face Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup on September 2 in Sri Lanka. The Asia Cup will be played from August 30 to September 19 in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Pakistan will host its first four league games in Karachi and Lahore, while Sri Lanka will host other games in Colombo and Galle.
Here is how fans reacted to PCB's decision:
kya hai pakistani team me, lappu si team hai..khelne aave na, zingur se players hai, chonchle hazaar inke 👍🏻
— 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐩𝐚𝐢🥂 (@Oyye_Senpai) August 3, 2023
They are crying since 2020. 🙂 pic.twitter.com/dFCMPPaF7K
— Vipin Tiwari (@vipintiwari952) August 3, 2023
If they’re organizing an event then security concerns have been taken care.
— SamD 🇮🇳🇺🇸 (@revisitorSam) August 3, 2023
Jay shah only called pak cricket head and said "Aajao ji aajao jo hoga dekhlege" 😁
— MJGooner📢 (@ImMayurJindal) August 3, 2023
Inko kya hoga ?Itna faltu time kisi ke pass nahin hai.
— Naveen (@_naveenish) August 3, 2023
Sirf poor and weak attack hote hai india mein. They are safe!
— Abhinav Singh (@ProteinEnforcer) August 3, 2023
Inko Bcci ke against retaliate karna hai lekin inki fati bhi hui hai kyunki financially bcci inka papa nai dada hai.
— Nimish Jain (@nimish131) August 3, 2023
Here's your screenshot.
— Pikaso (@pikaso_me) August 3, 2023
⚡ Want to automatically post your tweets on Instagram? Visit https://t.co/6fIpjtKrSz. pic.twitter.com/Tc9JL5irTU
"We the ICC assure that Pakistani players will be more secure in India than they are in Pakistan".
— Sahil (@InsightEdge_) August 3, 2023
Security India ko Pakistan mei chaahiye…Pakistan ko India mei nahi…hadh hai yaar!
— KK (@kkspeaks) August 3, 2023
Seema ko bhi saath bhej dena
— Sumit (@sumitsaurabh) August 3, 2023
Lol 🤣🤣
— Dr. Maulik Modi (@iamthemaulik) August 3, 2023
What about written security they didn't give to Laden.