'If They Demand Neutral Venue..', PAK Sports Minister Gives Ultimatum To India Before World Cup
India vs Pakistan is the most anticipated match of ICC World Cup 2023
Escalating political tensions between India and Pakistan are threatening to overshadow the much-anticipated One Day International (ODI) World Cup clash between the two nations, set for October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Pakistan Sports Minister rejects hybrid hosting model for Asia Cup
According to a report from The Indian Express, Pakistan's sports minister, Ehsaan Mazari, has laid down stringent terms for Pakistan's involvement in the tournament.
Mazari, whose remit includes the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), expressed his view that if India insists on a neutral venue for their Asia Cup games, Pakistan should be allowed to demand the same World Cup matches in India.
“My personal opinion, since the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) comes under my ministry, is that if India demands to play their Asia Cup games at a neutral venue, we would also demand the same for our World Cup games in India,” said Mazari as quoted by The Indian Express.
This development follows closely on the heels of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif constituting a top-tier committee to deliberate on Pakistan's participation in the globally celebrated event.
Mazari provided details about the committee, revealing that Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would chair it and that he himself was one of the eleven ministers included. He added that the committee would debate the matter and offer their suggestions to the Prime Minister, who would make the ultimate decision.
The sports minister also voiced his discontent over the proposed hybrid hosting plan for the Asia Cup, insisting that as the host country, Pakistan should have the right to hold all the matches.
"Pakistan is the host, it has the right to hold all the matches in Pakistan. That is what the cricket lovers want, I don’t want a hybrid model,” stated the Pakistan sports minister.
Mazari further questioned why the Indian government hesitated to send their cricket team to Pakistan when they had previously sent large delegations for other sports. He referenced the recent visit of a baseball team from India to Islamabad and the bridge team that had travelled to Pakistan, who were both safe and successful in their endeavours.
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