Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for creating unnecessary controversy over the selection of Ahmedabad as a venue for the 2023 World Cup.

Akram, while talking to media at an event in Karachi on Tuesday, said that Pakistan should avoid unnecessary stress and play matches at the venues where they are scheduled.

“I don’t understand these unnecessary statements like ‘we won’t play in Ahmedabad’. Ask Pakistan players, they don’t care, they will play where they are scheduled to play,” Akram said.

“I am all for egos, if you have ego and if you think you can stand by your stance then you must speak. But then move on, but always think before saying anything, but if you can’t then don’t talk about it, everyone is patriotic for their country. But I must say that this is just a game. Take it as a game,” he added.

The concerns raised by the PCB regarding playing in Ahmedabad were primarily related to security reasons. However, after extensive discussions and negotiations between the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a resolution was reached. The BCCI agreed to accept the PCB's proposed hybrid model for the Asia Cup, which helped resolve the issue.

As a result of these discussions, the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match is now scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 15.