Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi in a press conference on June 16 said that Pakistan's participation in the ODI World Cup 2023 in India is uncertain and "subject to government approval". A day after PCB’s ‘hybrid model’ for Asia Cup 2023 got approved by Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Sethi said that their decision will rest on “two important conditions”.
"As far as India and Pakistan go, neither the PCB or the BCCI can take decisions. The respective governments only can take decisions," Sethi told the reporters.
"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.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah had made it clear that India won't go to Pakistan for Asia Cup. As per the hybrid model, Pakistan will play their four matches at home whereas the remaining nine will be played at neutral venue, Sri Lanka.
India and Pakistan are expected to lock horns at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. However, even if PCB gets the approval from their government, it was earlier revealed via reports that they have reservations about the venue as well. Last month, ICC CEO Geoff Allardice and chairman Greg Barclay visited Karachi. During the meeting, PCB did not have any conditions except they requested for a venue change.
However, a lot changed in a month as Sethi further said, “We have told the ICC also that if our government looks into the security considerations and gives us permission, we will come to play in India. If they don't give, how can we come and play in India?
"Even if the government gives us permission, we have to look at the venues and decide where to play. That comes later. Firstly, the government has to give us the nod. It has to tell us whether we can go or not."
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
BAN vs AFG: Bangladesh's batter achieves big milestone with twin Test centuries, joins Indian batsmen in elite list
Watch: 4 red cards, homophobic chants and torn jerseys — Chaos reigns during USA vs Mexico semifinal clash
