The cricketing world eagerly awaits the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, set to take place in India. However, Pakistan’s participation in the tournament remains uncertain as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stated that it requires approval from the government to send the team to India, the host country.
Government Clearance Required
The PCB spokesperson revealed that the board needs clearance from the Government of Pakistan for any tour to India, including matches at various venues. The board is currently in communication with the government to seek guidance and expects to update the ICC once it receives official clearance. This stance aligns with what the PCB had communicated to the ICC when the draft schedule was shared a couple of weeks ago.
ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 Schedule
The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently announced the schedule for the highly anticipated tournament. The clash between Pakistan and India is scheduled for October 15 in Ahmedabad, providing fans with a high-intensity match. The World Cup will feature ten teams competing across ten venues from October 5 to November 19, with the opening match and the final taking place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Format and Structure
The tournament will adopt a round-robin format, ensuring that all teams face each other in a total of 45 league matches. Following the league stage, the top four teams will progress to the semi-finals, scheduled to be held in Mumbai and Kolkata on November 15 and 16, respectively. The semi-finals and final will have reserve days, accommodating any unforeseen circumstances.
Excitement Surrounding the World Cup
Geoff Allardice, the ICC Chief Executive, expressed his delight in releasing the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 schedule. He highlighted the anticipation and excitement of hundreds of millions of fans worldwide, who eagerly await what is expected to be the greatest Men’s Cricket World Cup to date. Allardice acknowledged that the teams competing in India would experience a unique and electric atmosphere. The tournament will culminate in the winners lifting the trophy in the grandest cricket stadium in the world, the Ahmedabad stadium.
Pakistan’s World Cup Schedule
In light of the tentative confirmation of Pakistan’s participation, the team has been provided with a schedule for the tournament. Their campaign kicks off on October 6 against Qualifier 1 in Hyderabad, followed by a match against Qualifier 2 on October 12, also in Hyderabad. The highly anticipated encounter between Pakistan and arch-rivals India is set to take place on October 15 in Ahmedabad. Subsequently, Pakistan will face Australia in Bengaluru on October 20, Afghanistan in Chennai on October 23, and South Africa in Chennai on October 27. The team will then travel to Kolkata for a match against Bangladesh on October 31. Pakistan’s last three matches in the group stage will be against New Zealand in Bengaluru on November 4, and against England on November 12 in Kolkata.
Read more: ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 Trophy Launched into Space
Awaiting Confirmation
As cricket enthusiasts gear up for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation continues to loom. The PCB’s requirement of government clearance underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and security of the Pakistani team during their visit to India. Fans and stakeholders remain hopeful that the necessary approvals will be granted, allowing the team to compete in this prestigious tournament and add to the excitement and spirit of cricket’s biggest stage.
