PCB wants written assurance from BCCI over Pakistan's participations in 2021 and 2023 World Cups in India

Though the fate of the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia is still unknown due to the pandemic, there is no doubt that India will host the mega event in 2021 as planned. Also, if the tournament to be played this year is postponed, it is most likely to be rescheduled in 2022 only. Moreover, India has also got the hosting rights of the 50-over World Cup to be played in 2023.

With the matches slated to play only in India during both these mega events, Pakistan’s participation is under doubt given the tense political relations between the two countries. In the wake of the same, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to get the written assurance from the BCCI that the team will face no issues during the competitions.

“We are also looking at the fact that the ICC World Cups are to be hosted in India in 2021 and 2023 and we have already asked the ICC to give us written assurances from BCCI that we will not face any problems getting visas and clearance to play in India,” the PCB CEO Wasim Khan told Cricket Baaz Youtube channel on Wednesday. Also, the senior official has reportedly asked the ICC to get the assurance from the BCCI in the next few months itself.

Pakistan wants complete assurance of safety and security

Wasim Khan also cleared that Pakistan team will travel to India only if it gets complete assurance about its safety and security. He also pointed out that certain Pakistan sports squads weren’t given clearance by the Indian Government to play in India before.

“That is why we have asked for the advance assurances. But eventually, it is an ICC event and it is their responsibility to ensure we as a full member and signatory of the participant’s agreement go and play in these ICC events,” he further said. Speaking about the resumption of bilateral series, Wasim stated that it is a far-fetched dream as of now due to the strained relations between India and Pakistan.

“We have a good relationship with the BCCI but we know realistically a bilateral series is not possible in the foreseeable future,” the PCB CEO said.