Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif forms panel to decide participation in World Cup 2023

As per a report by ESPNCricinfo, the panel includes interior minister Rana Sanaullah and Law and justice minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. The heads of intelligence agencies and representatives of all political parties have also found a place in the committee, making the scope for wide consultations.

The report adds that the reason behind keeping such a large panel is likely to be a buffer against a change in government as the country will be soon headed towards the general elections.

Committee to discuss ICC World Cup 2023 venues

The committee will have discussions on a wide range of topics including the four Indian cities Pakistan cricket team is scheduled to travel. Pakistani team will play against India in Ahmedabad on 15 October, against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka in Hyderabad, against Australia and New Zealand in Bengaluru, against Bangladesh and England in Kolkata, and against Afghanistan and South Africa in Chennai.

Previously, the team management has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Board of Control of Cricket (BCCI) to change the match venues as they don’t want to play in Bengaluru and Chennai.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister will sign off on the country’s participation in the ICC World Cup 2023 based on the recommendations of the committee.

India vs Pakistan faceoff

India vs Pakistan faceoff in the ODI World Cup 2023 is one of the most awaited contests in 2023. The numbers are surely in favor of India when it comes to World Cup, but recently Pakistan has transformed itself into a much stronger team, and at the same time Team India is struggling with some major issues. So, entering the grounds with the overconfidence of past victories will be the last thing Team India would want.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam responded to all the hype around India vs Pakistan face-off in World Cup and said that his team has to play well against all other teams to win the tournament and they are not focusing on just one team.

“I’ve been hearing a lot. We are going to play in the World Cup, not to play against India. Barring India, there are other different teams whom we have to play against. If we can beat them, we will play in the final. Our focus is not on one team but all 10 of them. Our plan is to play well against all teams, win matches and then secure a ticket for the final,” the Pakistani skipper said.

Updated: 08 Jul 2023, 02:41 PM IST