As per a report, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to change the venues of a few of Pakistan’s matches in the ODI World Cup 2023.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced the match schedule for the ODI World Cup, which will be held in India from 5 October to 19 November.
Earlier this month, the Indian Cricket Control Board (BCCI) sent out a draft schedule to participating teams. According to the draft schedule, Pakistan was due to face Australia in Bengaluru and Afghanistan in Chennai. ESPNcricinfo reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wanted to swap the venues of the two matches to make Babar Azam’s side a favorite for the title. However, in the final schedule, these requested changes he was not implemented by the ICC.
Former Pakistani wicket keeper Kamran Akmal explained in an interview that these “excuses” only give the former champion a bad impression.
“Conditions and venues shouldn’t matter anymore for the team. That shouldn’t be the case in international cricket. Today India beat Australia, South Africa and New Zealand on their home soil. Why in Chennai?” There should be no excuses to play Afghanistan or India in Ahmedabad. We should just focus on cricket,” Akumal said in an interview with paktv.tv.
“I ask the members of the Board of Directors to stop making such low-quality demands. Since then, the level of international cricket has evolved. The board should understand what they expect from them, they should not say such things, instead they should lower the level of cricket,” he added.
“They ask Pakistani players, they don’t care where their schedule comes from” – Wasim Akram repeats Kamran Akhmal
Legendary swing bowler Wasim Akram echoed Kamran Akmal’s sentiments, noting that Pakistan’s presence in India creates unnecessary stress. Ahmedabad.
“No problem. Pakistan will play at home. Ask,” Akram was quoted as saying to the Indian Express.
The PCB also urged the Pakistani team to play in Kolkata instead of Mumbai if they reach the semi-finals and face India. The ICC has reportedly accepted the request, which could see the semi-final matches between Mumbai and Kolkata swapped if the above scenario comes to pass.
