Pakistan will not visit India for ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 if India doesn’t come for Asia Cup: Najam Sethi

Pakistan may consider playing its ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 matches in Bangladesh instead of India due to tense political relations between both nations.

Discussions have taken place about shifting Pakistan’s matches to a neutral venue, and Bangladesh has been proposed as a possible location due to its close proximity to India.

A hybrid model for the Asia Cup is being looked at as a solution, with India playing their matches at neutral venues.

In the midst of these discussions, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has raised concerns about India not participating in the Asia Cup, which could potentially impact the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, also set to be held in Pakistan.

However, the PCB has also revealed that their participation in the 2023 World Cup is dependent on India’s participation in the Asia Cup.

Meanwhile, PCB’s Management Committee chairman Najam Sethi has revealed that the Pakistani government may not allow the team to go to India if the Indian team does not come to Pakistan for the World Cup.

Speaking to media, Mr Sethi said, “Discussions are underway to decide the venue of the Asia Cup. India proposed moving the Asia Cup from Pakistan to a neutral location. We were of the view that how could we visit to India, if the neighbouring country is not willing to send its team to Pakistan.”

“If India is showing resistance in connection with the political issue. So, we also have a political issue,” maintained Mr Sethi.

Speaking to the standing committee of senate in Pakistan, Sethi stated that PCB is not worried about the financial losses, as they have earned enough money from the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

While no formal discussions have taken place on the matter, the PCB has pointed out that India’s participation in the tournament would be crucial for the health and growth of cricket in the region.

The Asia Cup is set to take place in September of this year, featuring six nations in a 50-over format. The tournament has grouped India and Pakistan together with a qualifier, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are part of the other group.

As discussions continue about the upcoming cricket tournaments, the focus remains on finding a neutral ground that will satisfy both India and Pakistan for Asia Cup as well as ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

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