Ashish Ranjan
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stated multiple times over the past six months that it will not participate in the impending ODI World Cup if India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. However, much has altered over time, as its current demand is to change the venue of the India vs. Pakistan match, which is scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 15.
Wasim Akram, a former Pakistani cricketer, stated that Pakistan cricket’s regulating body made a fool of itself by commenting on the World Cup venues chosen by the ICC (International Cricket Council) and the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).
He concluded by stating that the Babar Azam-led side has no objections to the schedule and requesting that PCB refrain from further comment and allow both administrations to speak with one another if necessary.
“I’m all for personalities. If you have an ego and recognize that what is occurring is incorrect, you should speak up. Nonetheless, proceed then. Always plan ahead and consider our capabilities. Can we complete our scheduled tasks? If we cannot, then this should not be done. It ultimately becomes a source of amusement.
We are all patriotic towards our nation. And they will be loyal to their nation. Without a surety. But in the end, it’s just a pastime. Governments will communicate; that is their concern,” Akram said in a video uploaded by Cricket Pakistan to reporters.
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“Players from Pakistan do not care where they are scheduled to compete. There are no problems with it. Pakistan will compete wherever they are given the assignment. Simple. This unnecessary pressure of ‘we won’t play in Ahmedabad’…ask Pakistani players, and they don’t care where their schedule falls,” he added.
Notably, the Men in Green will compete in Qualifier 1 on October 6 and Qualifier 2 on October 12 prior to traveling to Ahmedabad to face India. After the encounter in Ahmedabad, they are scheduled to play in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata.
