Pakistan will be treated just like the cricket team of any other country participating: MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi

With the ODI World Cup 2023 looming around the corner, there have been many discussions over Pakistan’s travel to India to compete in the marquee tournament. Amidst the Asia Cup 2023 hosting row in recent months, there have been major controversies over how the proceedings will be held as the World Cup approaches. 

However, with the World Cup all set to begin on October 5, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi came forward to provide assurance that Pakistan will be treated like any other side that is travelling to India for the World Cup. 

Bagchi came forward to state that they were aware of the rumours about Pakistan’s arrival in India for the World Cup 2023. However, with the confirmation coming in, Bagchi opined that Pakistan will be getting equal treatment.

"We have seen these reports regarding the Pakistan cricket team's participation in the upcoming ICC World Cup to be hosted by India. Pakistan cricket team will be treated just like the cricket team of any other country participating in the ICC World Cup," Arindam Bagchi was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Pakistan face India on October 14

There have been some changes made to the schedule of the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. The event is set to begin on October 5, with England and New Zealand facing each other in Ahmedabad. The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash was originally slated to be held on October 15. However, it was later rescheduled to October 14. The game will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as well.

Furthermore, England’s clash against Afghanistan will be played in Delhi on October 15 now, and Pakistan’s game against Sri Lanka will be played on October 10, instead of the originally slated October 12. With India hosting the tournament entirely for the first time, a lot of eyes will be on the Rohit Sharma-led side and it could be interesting to see how the side fares in the competition.