The upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 is taking place in India. Pakistan may not go to India due to the political situation between these 2 countries. Reports suggest that Pakistan May Not Participate in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India as the country has decided to play its matches in Bangladesh.
Asia Cup Venue in Question
India has already announced that they won’t go to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023. The match between India and Pakistan will be played at a neutral venue, with UAE, Sri Lanka, England, and Oman under consideration. There is a high probability that the match will take place in UAE.
Asia Cup 2023: India Not Going to Pakistan
Likelihood of Playing World Cup Matches in Bangladesh
Discussions have been initiated that Pakistan may also choose to play its World Cup matches in Bangladesh, following the same model as that of the Asia Cup. The matter was discussed in the ICC board meeting held in Dubai a few weeks ago.
Impact on the 2025 Champions Trophy
If India decides not to participate in the Asia Cup, it is speculated that the 2025 Champions Trophy will also be affected. Pakistan is scheduled to host the Champions Trophy in February 2025. The ICC removed the Champions Trophy after Pakistan won the title by defeating India in the 2017 final.
Pakistan’s Decision Dependent on India’s Stance
The Pakistan Cricket Board has stated that if India won’t come to Pakistan for Asia Cup then they will also not go to India for ICC World Cup 2023. In 2018, Pakistan was supposed to host the Asia Cup, but the tournament was held in UAE due to India’s decision.
Nepal’s Opportunity to Play against India and Pakistan
The ACC Premier Cup will take place in Nepal from the 5th to the 18th, giving Nepal the chance to play against India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Nepal, Oman, Qatar, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia are in Group A. Whereas Group B consists of UAE, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Singapore, and Bahrain. The top two teams will then play the semi-final match of the Asia Cup Qualifier. And the team that wins the title through the finals will play against India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Group B consists of Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh
The World Cup Qualifiers
The World Cup is set to commence on October 5 in India, with Nepal having to secure a position in the top two through the Super Six in the qualifiers that will be held in Zimbabwe in July before playing in the World Cup. The World Cup qualifiers will include ten teams. The top two teams from the Super Six will proceed to play in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Conclusion: Pakistan May Not Participate in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India
The speculation around Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 highlights the political tensions between India and Pakistan. As of now, it remains uncertain whether Pakistan will travel to India or play its matches in Bangladesh. The final decision is expected to be influenced by India’s stance on participating in the Asia Cup.
