No formal discussion in ICC board meeting on Pakistan playing World Cup match in Bangladesh
International Cricket Council (ICC) sources on Wednesday rubbished speculation that Pakistan would play its World Cup tie in Bangladesh instead of the country due to political tensions with India, terming it as “pure speculation”. The ICC’s denial came after reports that Pakistan playing their league matches in Bangladesh was discussed during the recent ICC Board meeting in Dubai.
“No one knows whether PCB chief Najam Sethi has had any informal discussion with his Bangladesh counterpart Nazmul Hasan Papon, but it certainly has,” a source in the ICC Board told PTI on condition of anonymity. It can be said that officially there was no such discussion that Pakistan will play in Bangladesh. The source said that getting visa was an issue that was discussed and the Board of Cricket in India (BCCI) has provided all kinds of assistance. assured of.
“The BCCI has clearly said that there will be no problem in getting the visa. One of the main points for a host country is that all participating countries will be given visas on time. Bangladesh is not part of the plan as co-hosts from the ICC as of now. Will be played in Bangladesh.
Top BCCI officials understand that the PCB is doing this to pressurize Pakistan to host the entire Asia Cup, which is not being seen as a viable solution. A BCCI source said, “We understand that this is some kind of pressure tactic launched by PCB because of Asia Cup issue but let me tell you that eventually Asia Cup will also be played in UAE or Qatar And maybe Pakistan will also have to play its matches in one of these two countries.
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has already made it clear that India is not going to Pakistan for the Asia Cup and it will be held at a neutral venue. “As far as Pakistan playing its Asia Cup matches in Pakistan is concerned, the budget for the tournament is passed by the Asian Cricket Council. If ACC is of the view that hosting the Asia Cup in two countries is not a commercially viable proposition then how can Pakistan play at home. You all know that ACC may not pass the budget.
