Former Pakistan cricketer Misbah-ul-Haq has urged the authorities to allow the Pakistan cricket team to travel to India for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023, which will take place from October 5 to November 18. He expressed that it will be unfair to the fans if Pakistan doesn’t travel to India for the World Cup.
Earlier, Team India refused to travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023. As a result, the Asian Cricket Council and the Pakistan Cricket Board had to opt for a hybrid model of hosting. The tournament will not take place in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with the majority of the games in Sri Lanka.
Due to this, there have been rumours that Pakistan doesn’t want to travel to India for the World Cup. However, ICC chairman Greg Barclay reiterated on Friday that all 10 teams will ‘turn up’ and participate in the tournament. Former cricketer Misbah-ul-Haq too expressed that Pakistan should play the World Cup in India.
“When there can be contact between the two countries in other sports, why not in cricket,” Misbah said, as quoted by PTI news agency.
“Why link cricket with political relations? It is unfair to deprive people of a chance to see their teams play against each other. It is a great injustice to the fans who follow Pakistan and Indian cricket a lot,” he added.
“Certainly, Pakistan should be playing in the World Cup even in India. The many times I have played in India, we have enjoyed the pressure and crowds there because it gives you motivation, and conditions in India suit us. Our team has the capability to do well in Indian conditions,” said Misbah-ul-Haq.
Getting the playing XIs right is the key: Misbah-ul-Haq
Pakistan will take on the Netherlands in their opening clash of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup on October 6 in Hyderabad. They will play against the arch-rivals India on Sunday, October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Misbah-ul-Haq expressed that Pakistan should get their playing XIs right considering the conditions at different venues. He said,
“What is happening outside their sphere, they should not think about it.”
“The key to doing well in the World Cup in India is to get the playing XIs right at particular venues and against particular opposition,” he added.
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