PCB Explores Options, In a recent report by Asian News International (ANI), it has been stated that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is keen on playing its World Cup matches in either Sri Lanka or Bangladesh.

The PCB source stated that if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not send its team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, then the PCB will not go to India for the World Cup matches.

 

“We want Sri Lanka or Bangladesh to host our matches, we want to play there, not in India,” he said. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have denied these reports. On Wednesday, an ICC official stated to Cricbuzz that “Bangladesh was not discussed at all in the board meeting and there was full support from the board for the event [World Cup] to be held in India.”

 

The PCB CEO, Wasim Khan, had earlier mentioned that Pakistan could play its 2023 World Cup matches at a neutral venue instead of India. He stated that “I don’t think Pakistan will play their World Cup matches in India. I think their matches will be at neutral venues like India’s Asia Cup matches.” It is expected that Pakistan will host the match while the final is most likely to be held at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.

 

While the reports on PCB’s desire to play in Sri Lanka or Bangladesh have been denied, it is clear that the PCB is exploring various options to ensure that its team participates in the upcoming World Cup. It remains to be seen whether the matches will be held in India or at a neutral venue, but one thing is for sure – the PCB is determined to put up a strong show in the tournament.