Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, confirmed that Pakistan's cricket team will be treated on par with all other participating nations during the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.
Despite historical rivalries, Bagchi emphasized fairness and equality for all teams.
"We have seen these reports regarding the Pakistan cricket team's participation in the upcoming ICC World Cup to be hosted by India. Pakistan cricket team will be treated just like the cricket team of any other country participating in the ICC World Cup," he said.
Previously, Pakistan's participation in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 was officially confirmed, after receiving approval from the Government of Pakistan.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan reiterated its steadfast belief in keeping sports separate from politics.
"Pakistan has consistently maintained that sports should not be mixed with politics. It has, therefore, decided to send its Cricket Team to India to participate in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Pakistan believes that the state of bilateral relations with India should not stand in the way of fulfilling its international sports-related obligations. Pakistan’s decision shows its constructive and responsible approach vis-à-vis India’s intransigent attitude, as the latter had refused to send its Cricket Team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
The eagerly-awaited contest between India and Pakistan at this year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup has been rescheduled to a different day, while details of eight other matches have also been changed.
The clash between India and Pakistan was originally slated to take place in Ahmedabad on Sunday, 15 October, but this has been moved a day earlier and will now be held at the same venue on Saturday, 14 October.
Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 schedule: