The upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, set to be hosted by India, has sparked intense debate over Pakistan’s participation. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made it abundantly clear that their team’s involvement in the ODI World Cup would hinge on obtaining government clearance.
A PCB official emphasized the significance of government directives, stating that their participation in the tournament, including crucial matches in Ahmedabad and potentially Mumbai, would be contingent upon receiving the necessary approvals.
“The PCB requires the Government of Pakistan’s clearance for any tour to India, including the match venues. We are liaising with our government for guidance, and as soon as we hear something from them, we will update the Event Authority (ICC). This position is consistent with what we had told the ICC a couple of weeks ago when they shared with us the draft schedule and sought our feedback”
PCB
The situation escalated when the ICC announced the fixtures, rejecting PCB’s request to avoid specific venues for matches against Afghanistan and Australia. PCB was particularly wary of playing Afghanistan on a spin-friendly track in Chennai and facing Australia in Bengaluru.
Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, took action by forming a high-profile committee to determine the team’s participation in the ICC World Cup. Headed by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, this committee is tasked with making a crucial decision that will shape Pakistan’s journey in the tournament.
Amidst all the uncertainty, the ICC remains confident that Babar Azam-led Pakistan will eventually take part in the 50-over showpiece. As cricket fans eagerly await the tournament, the fate of Pakistan’s participation hangs in the balance, adding an extra layer of intrigue and drama to the upcoming event.
Twitter is ablaze with anger, and rightly so!
The ICC has just dropped the official promo for the much-awaited ODI World Cup 2023, and it’s causing quite a stir! The theme, “All it takes one day,” is enough to give us goosebumps, but there’s a twist that has fans fuming and tweeting up a storm.
In a thrilling 2 minutes and 13 seconds, the promo takes us on a nostalgic journey through past World Cup tournaments, featuring monumental moments that have left us all in awe. But hold on to your seats because there’s a voice we all know and love—Shahrukh Khan himself narrating the epic montage. I mean, who could resist that?
However, it seems like not everyone is thrilled. Pakistani fans are scratching their heads in disbelief as they notice a glaring omission. Where in the world is Babar Azam, the superstar, and the current number-one ODI batsman? Yep, you heard it right. Nowhere to be seen in the entire video! Cue the collective gasps and Twitter rage!
To make matters worse, they’re parading moments of Shadab getting smashed for sixes, Wahab Riaz getting smacked around, and Mohammad Amir getting clean bowled. Yeah, great, let’s remind ourselves of our not-so-great moments while ignoring the man who’s consistently been our shining star!
Fans are furious, and we’re not holding back!
“ICC ODI World Cup promo without Babar Azam – the number one ODI batter since almost two years and the ODI cricketer of the year 2021 and 2022.”
“The naked bias in this video, the miserable depiction of Pakistani cricket. The little things that will make victory all the more sweet .”
“Hum kya kareyn zeher khaaleyn ?? Itney badey promo main itni si representation of pakistan cricket team and fans that too disappointing phase main, except shaheed afridi celebrating, and no shot of babar being no 1 player still, hadh hai bhai biased honey ki !”
“Is this a Promo of ICC event or a TV promo made by Star Sports for Indian bilateral series? Team Pakistan is clearly ignored in this promo, Any perception of favoritism or bias can impact the credibility and reputation of the organization. It’s essential for the @ICC to… Show more‘
“Not a single still of Babar who is dominating the ICC carts in ODIs since last 2.5 years Looked more like a Big 3 promo”
“The World number 1 ranked ODI batter Babar Azam who’s been ruling the 50 overs format for a long time has not been included in the official promo video of the ODI World Cup. Is it possibly because of the fact he’s from Pakistan?”
“Such a biased promo to the upcoming #ICCWorldCup2023. Barely any representation of Pakistan, no sign of #BabarAzam. Chalo koi nahin – we’ll see them on the playing field”
What do you think? Should Pakistan go and play in India? Let us know!
