India vs Pakistan Saga Continues
The ongoing India vs Pakistan saga appears to have no conclusion in sight. Recently, Ehsaan Mazari, Pakistan’s Minister of Sports, declared that if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refuses to cross the border for the Asia Cup 2023, his nation will not travel to India for the ODI World Cup 2023.
Mazari’s Statement
Mazari made his opinion clear in an interview with The Indian Express. He said, “My personal opinion, since the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) comes under my ministry, is that if India demands to play their Asia Cup games at a neutral venue, we would also demand the same for our World Cup games in India.”
ICC’s Response
The International Cricket Council (ICC) had previously asked Pakistan to visit India for the World Cup. In response, the ICC issued a statement saying, “Pakistan have signed a participation agreement to compete and we expect them to be there and have had no indications to the contrary.” They further added, “We recognise the fact that each member is required to adhere by the laws and regulations of their home nation. However, Pakistan will undoubtedly travel to India for the Men’s Cricket World Cup.”
Conclusion
The India vs Pakistan saga continues to unfold, with Ehsaan Mazari’s statement that Pakistan will not travel to India for the ODI World Cup 2023 if the BCCI refuses to cross the border for the Asia Cup 2023. The ICC has expressed their expectation for Pakistan to visit India for the World Cup, while acknowledging the need for them to adhere to the laws of their home nation.