Pakistan will enter World Cup only if…: Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi is seeking a “written guarantee” from BCCI supremo Jay Shah for India’s participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan before committing to his national team to play their ODI World Cup match in India later this year.

The 2023 World Cup will be played on October 5 and the BCCI has zeroed in on Ahmedabad (India’s game), Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata as possible venues for Babar Azam’s team.

However, with the Jay Shah-led ACC failing to confirm the proposed ‘hybrid model’ for the upcoming Asia Cup, with India playing their matches in the UAE and Pakistan playing their games at home, Seth has apparently been advised to play hard ball.

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According to a reliable source, Seth is scheduled to leave for Dubai on May 8 where he will meet ACC and International Cricket Council officials.

A PCB source said Seth is expected to start lobbying during his visit to Dubai to gain support for Pakistan’s “principled position that it will not play its World Cup matches in India unless the BCCI and ICC give written assurances that India will come to Pakistan to play in the 2025 Champions Trophy.”

“Sethi has recently met some government officials and also sought advice from them on whether Pakistan should play in the Asia Cup if it is not held in Lahore and Dubai as proposed by the PCB to the ACC under its hybrid model plan,” the source said. said.

He added that Sethi has received tacit approval from the board to convey a strong and blunt position to the ACC members about hosting the Asia Cup in September.

“Seth is expected to make it very clear to ACC members that they will either accept Pakistan’s hybrid proposal or the PCB will not participate in the competition this year if it is shifted from Pakistan.” The PC chairman is not willing to accept further delays in the Asia Cup schedule.

“Apparently, Sethi has now realized that it is time for tough decisions and is not willing to accept any more delays from the ACC in finalizing the Asia Cup venues and schedule.”

“It is now clear to Seth that there will be no Asia Cup matches in Pakistan and no Pakistan team in the Asia Cup,” the source claimed.