PCB writes to PM, seeking approval for Pakistan’s participation in WC

Islamabad: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially reached out to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, via the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), to seek government clearance on three crucial aspects related to Pakistan's participation in the upcoming ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held in India in October.

The letter, also shared with the Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Interior, highlights the PCB's primary objective of obtaining the government's approval for Pakistan's participation in the World Cup hosted by India.

Additionally, the PCB has requested the government to thoroughly assess the expected security arrangements at the five venues assigned to Pakistan for their World Cup matches.

"We aim to seek guidance from the government regarding Pakistan's participation in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 in India," stated a PCB spokesperson in response to queries.

"Immediately after the announcement of the World Cup schedule, we reached out to our Patron, the Honourable Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, through the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ministry, with copies sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior, requesting clearance for our participation," the spokesperson added.

In the letter dated June 27, the PCB also sought the government's advice concerning the venues.

The ICC has designated the following venues for Pakistan's matches:

• October 12: vs. Qualifier in Hyderabad
• October 15: vs. India in Ahmedabad
• October 20: vs. Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23: vs. Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27: vs. South Africa in Chennai
• October 31: vs. Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 5: vs. New Zealand in Bengaluru
• November 12: vs. England in Kolkata

If Pakistan qualifies for the semi-finals, their match will be held in Kolkata, while the final is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on November 15.

"The process and steps for further actions will be entirely determined by the Government of Pakistan. If it is deemed necessary to send an advance team to India for venue inspections and meetings with event organizers, that decision will solely rest with the government," the spokesperson emphasized.