2023 World Cup: PCB concerned about Pakistan players’ security in India

Chairman PCB Najam Sethi held a press conference on Monday to announce the squad for the upcoming three-match T20 series vs Afghanistan in Sharjah.

Upon inquiring about the status of the India and Asia cup fiasco and if there has been any further development regarding the matter, he said.

“This is a very important yet difficult question. Moreover, this doesn't have an easy answer. You are very well aware of India's board; they have weightage in ACC. I don't have to repeat; you all know the ground reality certainly,” Sethi said.

“The situation is similar to what it was before. India is adamant that they won't play in Pakistan and that the Asia cup should be shifted from here. The whole matter is unresolved as of yet,” he added.

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Sethi seemed sturdy about his stance and plans to take a position in front of ICC and ACC whenever the talks over the concerning matter take place.

“One matter belongs to ICC; the other one belongs to ACC. However, we have the Champions trophy coming up, which is exclusively ICC's matter and hosting rights for that lie with Pakistan. These are rather serious and complex issues. I have to talk to both ICC and ACC and take a stand,” he said.

“I also consulted the government in this regard. If India wouldn't play here, but government ask us to go and play in the World Cup, then we will have to prioritize the government's decision. But if, in any case, the government doesn't allow it, then, of course, I’ll have to see what government wants me to do,” he added.

The board chairman is reluctant to send the national team to India due to the surge of communal violence in India lately.

“The whole world testifies that we don't have any security issues, but India thinks otherwise. I can say the same for them, given the fact that the communal situation is really bad in India these days, so our team also have grave security concerns over there. Eventually, we will prioritize national interest and keep government and security agencies in the loop before taking any final decision," he said.