Positive signs regarding Pakistan’s participation in World Cup

The high-level ministerial and government agencies’ meeting in Pakistan regarding the national team’s participation in the World Cup concluded positively. The committee, led by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto, expressed hope that Babar Azam’s team would receive the same level of security that was provided during their tour of India for the Twenty20 World Cup in 2016. A security delegation is set to visit the anticipated venues in the coming weeks.

Reliable sources in Pakistan indicate that the committee has directed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to formally communicate with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding security concerns and the upcoming visit by the reconnaissance team. Despite ongoing tensions between the countries, the prevailing sentiment from the meeting leans towards endorsing the team’s tour to India, emphasising the separation of sports from politics. An official statement from the foreign ministry is expected shortly.

The committee, formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was tasked with providing recommendations to the government regarding the team’s participation in the World Cup scheduled from October 5 to November 19. In addition to Foreign Minister Bhutto Zardari, attendees included Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s adviser Qamar Zaman Qaira, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar. Representatives from various security agencies were also reportedly present.

Pakistan’s matches are slated to take place in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata. As per the existing schedule, their inaugural match is against the Netherlands in Hyderabad, with a highly anticipated match against India in Ahmedabad, likely on October 14.

Mumbai and Kolkata have been designated as the semifinal venues. Should the Pakistan team progress to the final four stage, their match would be held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This decision is accompanied by precautionary measures aimed at facilitating the team’s safe travel away from Mumbai, where potential challenges for the Pakistan side are foreseen.