The PCB has officially filed a complaint with the ICC about crowd conduct directed towards their players during the high-profile India vs. Pakistan 2023 World Cup game at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14. India secured a dominant seven-wicket victory against Pakistan in a one-sided contest. Pakistan batted first but was dismissed for 191, a total that India chased down in 30.3 overs.
Following the match, Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s team director, acknowledged India’s superior performance but raised concerns about the lack of Pakistani fans in the stadium, stating that the game resembled a BCCI event rather than an ICC event. The PCB opted to submit a complaint after several incidents involving Pakistani players during the match gained attention on social media. Initially, Pakistan captain Babar Azam faced jeers during the toss.
Subsequently, while Mohammad Rizwan was returning to the pavilion after getting out, there were chants of “Jai Shri Ram.” It was reported that some chants were also aimed at fast bowler Hasan Ali. The complaint to the ICC mentioned section 11 of the ICC’s rules about how people in the crowd should behave during international cricket games. This section addresses issues related to spectator behaviour.
“The ICC and each of its Members should take such steps as it considers necessary to prevent the occurrence at International Matches played within its jurisdiction or those played as part of an ICC Event (as applicable) of Inappropriate Conduct by spectators and to ensure that any such conduct is dealt with in a timely manner by the Member or ICC (as applicable) or others before, during and/or after the International Match (as may be appropriate),” the section states.
The PCB’s complaint also mentioned the problem of Pakistani fans not getting visas to attend the match, and how only a few journalists were allowed to go.
A statement from the cricket board verified: “Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged another formal protest with ICC over delays in visas for Pakistani journalists and absence of a visa policy for Pakistan fans for the ongoing World Cup 2023.”
Previously, the PCB had sent a letter to the ICC, asking for a faster visa issuance process for Pakistani fans and journalists.
How Pakistan has been doing in the 2023 World Cup until now
Babar Azam and his team are presently in the fourth position in the 2023 World Cup standings, having won two matches and lost one. Pakistan started their journey with an 81-run victory against the Netherlands and followed it with a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka. However, they were unable to secure a win against India in the World Cup.
Pakistan’s upcoming game in the ICC event is scheduled against Australia in Bengaluru on October 20.
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