The participation of the Pakistani cricket team in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 is uncertain as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that it requires approval from the government to send the squad to India, the host country of the tournament. The ICC had recently announced the schedule for the World Cup, including the highly anticipated Pakistan vs India clash on October 15 in Ahmedabad.
In a statement, the PCB spokesperson mentioned that clearance from the Government of Pakistan is necessary for any tour to India, including matches held there. The PCB is currently in communication with the government to seek guidance, and once they receive a response, they will update the ICC, the event authority.
The World Cup is set to feature ten teams competing across ten venues from October 5 to November 19, with the tournament opener and final taking place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The matches will be played in a round-robin format, with all teams facing each other in 45 league matches. The top four teams will qualify for the semifinals, which will be held in Mumbai and Kolkata, followed by the final. Reserve days are scheduled for the semifinals and final matches.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice expressed excitement about releasing the schedule and anticipated the tournament to be a memorable event, with millions of fans worldwide enjoying the cricket action. The final match will take place at the largest cricket stadium in the world in Ahmedabad, providing a unique and electric atmosphere for the teams.