ISLAMABAD: Sources told JEE News that the federal government has formed a high-profile committee headed by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to discuss Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, which will be hosted by India is doing
As relations between Pakistan and India remain strained, the national team’s participation in cricket’s most anticipated event is in doubt, with security a major concern in the neighboring country.
The 50-over World Cup is due to start this October, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said it needs government approval to send a squad to India, which has been the country’s only team since its partition in 1947. It is a tough competitor.
Last week, the cricket governing body, in a letter written to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, sought clearance for Pakistan’s participation in the tournament.
Considering the request, Prime Minister Shehbaz constituted a high-level body that will decide whether the country should send the national squad to India or not.
Sources say that the committee under the chairmanship of FM Bilawal will make recommendations on all issues related to the World Cup in India and the decision to visit Pakistan will be made in the light of these recommendations.
He said that the final recommendations will be sent to the Prime Minister for approval.
The committee headed by FM Bilawal includes Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Prime Minister of Law Nazir Tarar, Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Inter-Provincial Communication Minister Ehsanur Rahman Mazari, heads of national security agencies and Foreign Secretary.
In a letter written through the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), the PCB had also requested the government to review the proposed security at the five venues offered to Pakistan for World Cup matches.
The ICC announced the World Cup 2023 schedule last week, with the thrilling match between Pakistan and India scheduled for October 15 in Ahmedabad.
Five venues have been allocated for Pakistan’s matches.
- October 12 – Qualifier at Hyderabad Vs
- October 15 – India Vs at Ahmedabad
- October 20 – vs Australia at Bengaluru
- October 23 – Afghanistan vs. Chennai
- October 27 – vs South Africa at Chennai
- October 31 – Bangladesh vs Kolkata
- November 5 – New Zealand vs Bengaluru
- November 12 – vs England in Kolkata
If Pakistan reach the semi-finals, they will play in Kolkata. The final will be held on November 15 in Ahmedabad.
It should be noted that in 2016, the government sent a three-member delegation to visit India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, after which the ICC shifted Pakistan’s match against India from Dharamsala to Kolkata due to security reasons. had done
