According to media reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a strange request to change venues for their matches against Australia and Afghanistan
24 June, 2023
PHOTO: AFP
India is all set to host the ODI World Cup later this year, and fans are eagerly awaiting the fixture of this highly anticipated event. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is awaiting confirmation from Pakistan regarding their participation in the tournament, which is scheduled to be held in India.
According to media reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a strange request to change venues for their matches against Australia and Afghanistan.
The final draft of the World Cup fixture was sent to all participating nations following ICC protocol, but Pakistan has asked for a venue swap for their matches against Australia and Afghanistan. They have not provided any valid reason for this request, but it is believed that they want to play as favorites in every game.
Ravichandran Ashwin, a veteran Indian spinner, has responded to Pakistan's unusual demand. In a recent YouTube video, Ashwin expressed doubts that the ICC would entertain this request considering the reasoning behind it.
"Pakistan, in their request letter itself, have mentioned that conditions will favor Afghanistan in Chennai. So, by changing venues, it plays into an advantage for Pakistan. So, I highly doubt that ICC will pay heed to this request," said Ashwin.
Ashwin also mentioned that if Pakistan had cited security reasons, the venues could have been swapped, as was done in the 2016 T20 World Cup when India vs. Pakistan match was shifted from Dharamsala to Kolkata.
The ICC is expected to announce the official fixture on June 27, exactly 100 days before the tournament begins.
