The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its reluctance to play against Afghanistan in the World Cup warm-up match. The PCB has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) about its preference for playing a non-Asian team during the warm-up match, as they are already scheduled to face Afghanistan in the Asia Cup before the World Cup.
Furthermore, the PCB has also written to the ICC requesting a change in venues for their matches against Australia and Afghanistan during the World Cup in India. The PCB believes that swapping venues, with Australia in Chennai and Afghanistan in Bengaluru, would make them the “obvious favorites” in both matches.
The PCB is seeking to change the venue for most of Pakistan’s matches, excluding only three, including the highly anticipated fixture against India in Ahmedabad. The PCB acknowledges that the venue change for this match is unlikely due to its significance for the BCCI and the World Cup.
These requests by the PCB highlight their strategic considerations and desire to maximize their chances in the World Cup.