Former Pakistan skipper and 2009 T20 World Cup winner Misbah-ul-Haq has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for politicising Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 in India. Misbah said that the PCB is “depriving” Pakistani fans of the opportunity to see their side go head-to-head against their arch-rivals on the biggest stage.
“When there can be contacts between the two countries in other sports, why not in cricket. Why link cricket with political relations? It is unfair to deprive people of a chance to see their teams play against each other,” said Misbah.
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“It is great injustice to the fans who follow Pakistan and Indian cricket a lot,” added the batter, who has more than 11,000 international runs.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently conveyed to the ICC and the BCCI that the national team’s participation in the World Cup 2023 in October-November this year is subject to government clearance due to the tense relations between the two countries.
India has refused to play its Asia Cup matches in Pakistan owing to geopolitical tensions, and after months of speculation around the continental tournament, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced that the event will be staged in a hybrid model with four games in Pakistan and nine in Sri Lanka (neutral venue) from August 31 to September 17.
PCB acting chairman Zaka Ashraf is also pushing for Pakistan’s World Cup matches against India to be played at neutral venues.
Misbah felt it was time Pakistan should go to India and the Indian team should also come to Pakistan to play matches.
“Certainly Pakistan should be playing in the World Cup even in India,” he added. “The many times I have played in India, we have enjoyed the pressure and crowds there. Because it gives you motivation and conditions in India suit us. Our team has the capability to do well in Indian conditions.” Misbah also advised the players to just focus on cricket and winning the World Cup 2023.
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