Will Pakistan not come to India to play the ICC 50-over Cricket World Cup? General Manager of ICC and former CEO of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Wasim Khan provoked and dropped such hints. If Pakistani media’s report is anything to go by then the Pakistan’s cricket governing body has said that just as India will not travel to Pakistan to play the Asia Cup to play at neutral venues, Pakistan will follow suit.
Recently, a report by Pakistani media ARY News claimed after the T20 series between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Wasim said that Pakistan may not come to India to play the One Day World Cup and Babar Azam’s side can play their World Cup matches at a neutral venue.
“I don’t think that Pakistan will play the (One Day World Cup) match in India.”
The Asia Cup is supposed to be held in Pakistan. But the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) clearly informed that Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma will not go to play in Pakistan. Rather, BCCI Secretary and Cricket Council of Asia President Jai Shah said that discussions are being held on organizing the Asia Cup in a neutral country. After the comments, the Pakistani board had warned to withdraw the name from the World Cup.
However, according to the ESPN Cricinfo report, the Asia Cup will not be completely removed from Pakistan. India will play Asia Cup matches only at a neutral ground. The rest of the matches will be played in Pakistan. However, as a neutral country, where India’s game will be, is not yet confirmed.
The names of United Arab Emirates, Oman and Sri Lanka are emerging as alternatives. There is speculation that the game may even be played in England. Altogether there are likely to be five matches in the neutral country, including at least two India-Pakistan matches.
Stay tuned for further updates!
