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Pakistan's legendary all-rounder Wasim Akram has slammed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for unnecessarily creating controversy around World Cup 2023 as they are not happy with the venues. Reportedly, PCB is not happy with Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad as the venue of their clash against India on October 15.
"There's no issue at all. You have to play wherever the match is, end of discussion. This is unnecessary. Ask the Pakistan players, they don't care whether it's Ahmedabad or anywhere else. They will play according to the schedule," Akram told reporters in Pakistan.
“I’m all for egos. If you have an ego and understand that what’s happening is wrong, then speak up. But again, move on then. Always plan it, always think if we can do it? Can we finish what we’ve planned to do? If we can’t, then don’t do this. It ends up becoming a cause for laughter. We’re all patriotic for our country. And they will be for their country. No doubt about it. But end of the day, it’s only a game. Governments will speak to each other, that’s their problem,” the 57-year-old added.
Earlier this month, PCB chairman Najam Sethi had said in a press conference that he is not sure about Pakistan’s participation in ODI World Cup 2023 as it is subjected to the government’s approval. The announcement came a day after Asian Cricket Council (ACC) headed by Jay Shah accepted Pakistan’s ‘hybrid model’ for Asia Cup 2023.
"As far as India and Pakistan go, neither the PCB or the BCCI can take decisions. The respective governments only can take decisions," Sethi had said in the press conference.
"It's our government who has to decide, just like when it comes to India, it's their government that decides when they go to play. There is no point asking us if we will play in Ahmedabad.
"When the time comes, first it will be decided whether we are going or not, then the government decides where we will go. Our decision will rest on these two important conditions," he added.
Also, there were reports that Pakistan is not happy with Chennai as their venue for match against Afghanistan as the Chepauk wicket has more assistance for spinners.
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