Babar Azam and Rohit Sharma ahead of PAK vs IND 2022 T20 WC clash (Twitter)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) have revealed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had already signed its participation agreement for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 in India later this year.
The ICC, in unison with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), dropped the entire World Cup schedule this week. Following the announcement of the tournament itinerary, the PCB said that they are waiting to get clearance from the Pakistan Government, as has been a case before any Pakistan team’s visit to India.
ICC reminds PCB of their agreement
The PCB, in an official statement, said that they awaiting a travel clearance from the Pakistan government, and will accordingly brief its updates to the ICC.
The statement reads:
"The PCB requires the Government of Pakistan's clearance for any tour to India, including the match venues. We are liaising with our government for guidance, and as soon as we hear something from them, we will update the event authority (ICC)."
The ICC, in response, said that they expect the Pakistan team to be there in India for the 2023 World Cup because the PCB had already signed its participation agreement. The apex body stated:
"Pakistan have signed a participation agreement to compete and we expect them to be there. All members have to abide by the rules and the laws of their country and we respect that. But we’re confident Pakistan will be in India for the 2023 World Cup."
Men in Green's participation for the World Cup in India has been a widely-debated subject for nearly a year. Ever since the BCCI decided against sending an Indian team to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup, the PCB have repeatedly retaliated with threats of boycotting the quadrennial event in India.
The Asia Cup 2023 schedule finally reached a common resolution for all member boards, which would see the continental cup being jointly-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
As expected, Team India will be playing all its matches in Sri Lanka citing security fears and India’s prevailing political turmoil with Pakistan.
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