The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Tuesday, said in a statement that they will need clearance from the government before confirming their participation in the ODI World Cup, scheduled to take place from October 5 to November 19. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is confident that the Babar Azam-led team will compete in the mega event.
The ICC announced the schedule for the tournament on June 27, rejecting PCB's request to not schedule matches in Chennai and Bengaluru against certain teams. Soon after the announcement, the PCB also confirmed that their participation in the tournament hangs in the balance.
"The PCB requires clearance from the Government of Pakistan for any tour to India, including the match venues," a spokesman for the Pakistan board said in a statement following the release of the full schedule of the ODI World Cup on Tuesday, June 27.
"We are in communication with our government to seek guidance, and once we receive a response from them, we will update the Event Authority (ICC). This stance aligns with what we communicated to the ICC a couple of weeks ago when they shared the draft schedule with us and sought our feedback," added the spokesman.
But PTI reported that the ICC is sure about the 1992 World Cup winner's participation in the competition. "All members have to abide by the rules and the laws of their country and we respect that. But we're confident Pakistan will be in India for the men's cricket World Cup," a spokesperson reportedly told PTI.
Pakistan last played in India in 2016 in the T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, The ICC has not entertained Pakistan's request to relocate two matches because of the spin-friendly conditions favouring their opponents. With the elections for the post of PCB chairman now postponed at least until July 17, it remains to be seen how the Board reacts to the World Cup schedule announcement.
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