The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Najam Sethi has conveyed to International Cricket Council (ICC) counterpart Greg Barclay about Pakistan's reservations about playing India at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. According to PTI, Barclay and ICC General Manager Geoff Allardice who was in Karachi to take PCB's commitment that they won't demand to play their matches in upcoming ODI World Cup at a neutral venue in retaliation to ACC’s decision over proposed hybrid model for Asia Cup.
"Sethi has conveyed to Barclay and Allardice that Pakistan doesn't want it matches to be scheduled in Ahmedabad unless it is a knock-out game like final," the PCB source said.
"He requested ICC to schedule their games in Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata if national team gets clearance from Pakistan government to travel to India for the global event scheduled in October and November," the source added.
PCB wants more revenue
Sethi presented a few conditions to ICC officials as well. He wants them to convince BCCI to accept the hybrid model for Asia Cup. However, at the moment it seems unlikely. In addition, Sethi is not looking to accept the lesser share of ICC revenues in the new cycle.
"Sethi pointed out that it was unfair that Pakistan should get a lesser share of the ICC revenues in the new cycle compared to Australia and England," the source said.
"Sethi argued that Australia and England regularly get to play bilateral series with India and their players also take part in the Indian Premier League which means extra revenues for the two boards from the IPL management."
The last time Pakistan played in Ahmedabad was in 2005 under the leadership of Inzamam-ul-Haq. The Motera stadium was yet to be renovated.
ODI World Cup 2023 schedule to be out soon
Meanwhile, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and ICC officials who are in London for World Test Championship (WTC) final are likely to finalise the entire schedule and list of venues for World Cup in next few days. The schedule will be then sent to participating countries before the announcement is made.
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