PCB waits for Govt nod, ICC sure Pak will travel to India

India will play their league games in nine of the 10 venues; if they qualify, Pakistan will not play their semi-final in Mumbai

- Rasesh Mandani

MUMBAI: The schedule for the 13th ODI World Cup, and the first to be staged entirely in India, was announced here on Tuesday with just 100 days left for the tournament to kickoff. The fixtures were not entirely endorsed by Pakistan though the International Cricket Council (ICC) does not expect any issues with the team travelling to India for the 10-team tournament, to be played from Oct 5 to Nov 19.

The much-delayed schedule announced at a function shows the tournament will open with champions England taking on New Zealand the two played a dream final in 2019 at Lord's-in Ahmedabad on October 5. The delay was caused mainly due to the strained political relations between India and Pakistan extending to the working of the two boards. Pakistan, the Asia Cup hosts in August-September, insisted India should play in the country and then reluctantly accepted a hybrid model with the Rohit Sharma-led team now playing their matches in Sri Lanka. Following this, PCB had raised doubts over the team playing in the World Cup and expressed reservations over venues.

Their high-profile league showdown is listed for Oct 15 in Ahmedabad. But a PCB spokesperson said in a statement: "The PCB requires the Government of Pakistan's clearance for any tour to India, including the match venues. We are liaising with our government for guidance, and as soon as we hear something, we will update the Event Authority (ICC)."