Nilanjan
Pakistan cricket fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the government has cleared the team’s participation in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which will be held in India. The decision was announced by the foreign ministry on Sunday (August 6), after expressing concerns about the security of the players and staff in India.
The foreign ministry statement said that Pakistan has decided to send its cricket team to India to participate in the mega event, despite the strained bilateral relations between the two countries. It also said that Pakistan expects that the full safety and security of the Pakistan cricket team will be ensured during its visit to India.
Pakistan has been one of the most successful teams in the history of the ODI World Cup, having won it once in 1992 and reaching the final in 1999. They have also qualified for the semi-finals four times, most recently in 2011. However, they have not been able to beat India in any of their six encounters in the World Cup so far.
Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam will be leading a talented and experienced squad, which includes players like Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Fakhar Zaman, and Shadab Khan. They will be hoping to break their World Cup jinx against India and also challenge other strong contenders like England, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Pakistan’s matches are slated to take place in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata. As per the existing schedule, their inaugural match is against the Netherlands in Hyderabad, with a highly anticipated match against India in Ahmedabad, likely on October 14.
The foreign ministry statement also said that Pakistan believes that sports should not be mixed with politics and that its decision shows its constructive and responsible approach vis-a-vis India’s intransigent attitude. It added that India had refused to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, which was scheduled to be held earlier this year but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup is a positive sign for cricket lovers across the world, who will be eager to witness some thrilling and competitive matches between the arch-rivals. The World Cup is also an opportunity for both countries to promote peace and goodwill through sports diplomacy.
