Pakistan Could Skip 2023 50-over World Cup Over India’s Comment

The cricket committee in Pakistan has said that they are considering possibly not attending the 50-over World Cup holding next year in India over a claim made by Jay Shah, who is the secretary of the Indian cricket committee BCCI. 

According to Shah, India might likely skip the Asia Cup scheduled to hold in Pakistan next year due to the political tension between the two countries. Shah suggested that the Asia Cup should take place in a “neutral” location. In Shah’s words: “I am saying this as ACC president. We [India] can’t go there [to Pakistan]; they can’t come here. In the past also, the Asia Cup has been played at a neutral venue. The Asia Cup 2023 will be held at a neutral venue.”

Shah’s comment has now forced Pakistan to consider boycotting the 50-over World Cup, as they may not be attending it. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a statement, faulted India for not consulting with Pakistan or the board in charge of the competition. It also stated that India’s comments could have far-reaching complications: “The PCB has noted with surprise and disappointment the comments made by the ACC president Mr Jay Shah with regards to shifting of next year’s Asia Cup to a neutral venue.

“The comments were made without any discussion or consultation with the Board of the Asian Cricket Council or the Pakistan Cricket Board and without any thoughts towards their long-term consequences and implications.

“The overall impact of such statements have the potential to split the Asian and international cricketing communities, and can impact Pakistan’s visit to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and future ICC Events in India in the 2024-2031 cycle.”

At this point, it is unclear if the venue of the Asia Cup would be shifted or if the BCCI would allow Pakistan to visit their country for the 50-over World Cup. 

Leon Osamor