In a recent development, Najam Sethi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has put doubt on Pakistan’s participation in the ODI World Cup. The World Cup is scheduled to be conducted in India. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is in a difficult position as they attempt to settle the tournament’s schedule due to Sethi’s remarks.
Sethi when asked regarding the participation of Pakistan in the World Cup, noted that the teams participation would be “subject to government approval.” He further explained that such decisions do not lie within the purview of the PCB or the BCCI, and the ultimate responsibility would lie with the respective governments.
This uncertainty arises following a consensus among all stakeholders, including Jay Shah, the Chief of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), to host the upcoming Asia Cup in a hybrid model proposed by the PCB. However, Sethi emphasized that bilateral cricket engagements between Pakistan and India are contingent upon governmental decisions.
The PCB chairman’s statement implies that the PCB cannot provide a definitive answer regarding Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup to be held in Ahmedabad, India. As the ICC works towards finalizing the tournament’s schedule, they face the challenge of accommodating the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s involvement, awaiting the government’s decision.
This situation puts the ICC in a difficult position as they navigate the delicate balance between organizing a successful global cricket event and respecting the governmental prerogatives of participating nations.
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