Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Najam Sethi, has urged for a change in venue for Pakistan’s World Cup games if India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Asia Cup in September, according to a report on Friday. With the start of the one-day international World Cup just months away, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to release the match schedule or venue list, creating a situation of uncertainty. The delay seems to revolve around accommodating Pakistan, as both countries have a history of diplomatic disputes and are deeply passionate about cricket, despite their shared cricketing rivalry.
Pakistan is set to host the Asia Cup, a 50-over tournament, in September, which usually involves the participation of India. However, citing diplomatic tensions and security concerns, the BCCI, known as the world’s wealthiest and most influential cricket body, has refrained from traveling to Pakistan for several years. The BCCI has requested a change in venue for their Asia Cup games, prompting PCB Chairman Najam Sethi to call for a reciprocal arrangement for the World Cup.
In an interview with The Indian Express newspaper, Sethi proposed a “hybrid model” where Pakistan would be open to playing their World Cup matches in Bangladesh or any other venue acceptable to India. He sees this as a solution to the current political deadlock between the two nations and expressed hope that India would agree to a neutral venue for the World Cup if they insist on it for the Asia Cup.
Jay Shah, the son of India’s influential home minister Amit Shah, currently heads the BCCI. Sethi, a former journalist turned cricket administrator, urged the Indian cricket body to take a stand against New Delhi and assert their right to travel to Pakistan, stating that security can no longer be cited as an issue.
As of now, the BCCI has not provided an immediate response to Sethi’s statements. The uncertainty surrounding the World Cup’s venue and the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan add an extraordinary element to the preparations for this global sporting event.
