Pakistan prefer Chennai, Kolkata as venues for World Cup matches

 Pakistan prefers Chennai, Kolkata as venues for World Cup matches

The upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup is set to be one of the most exciting and anticipated events in the world of cricket. The tournament, scheduled to begin on October 5, will feature 46 matches, including the final, and will be played across 12 cities in India. However, for the Pakistani cricket team, the choice of venues for their matches is a sensitive issue, given their previous experiences with security concerns during their tours in India.

According to a recent report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the Pakistan cricket team has expressed a preference for playing most of their matches during the World Cup in Chennai and Kolkata. These two cities are where the team has previously felt safe during their tours, hence it will be the preferred option for the Men in Green, according to ICC sources.

The report also indicated that there are ongoing discussions at the ICC level regarding this issue. Top officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are currently in talks with a high-ranking ICC executive to determine the best course of action for the team.

“A lot will depend on what BCCI and the Indian government decide but given a choice, Pakistan will like to play most of its World Cup matches in Kolkata and Chennai," said a source close to the ICC Board, tracking developments, who requested anonymity.

The source added that the Pakistani team has had positive experiences with both cities, particularly during the T20 World Cup in 2016 when they played against India in Kolkata. The team felt secure and supported by the crowd during the match. Similarly, Chennai has also been a memorable venue for Pakistan, and they feel comfortable playing there.

However, the decision on the venues ultimately depends on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government. While Ahmedabad has the highest capacity of 132,000, making it an attractive choice for the ICC to maximize profits, it is already scheduled to host the final. Therefore, another venue between Chennai and Kolkata may be chosen to host the India-Pakistan game.

The issue of security concerns for the Pakistani team is not new. The team has faced hostile treatment from some Indian fans during their previous tours, leading to concerns about their safety. The PCB has expressed these concerns, and the ICC has promised to provide adequate security for the team during the World Cup.

In a recent interview, Najam Sethi, the PCB management committee chairman, acknowledged that Pakistani fans do not want the team to play the World Cup in India if India does not reciprocate by playing the Asia Cup in Pakistan. Sethi stated that people want Pakistan to stand their ground and not be dictated to.

While the decision on the venues for the Pakistani team's matches during the World Cup is still under discussion, it is clear that the team's safety and comfort are of utmost importance. The familiarity with the pitches and the passionate support from the crowds can provide a significant advantage to the team. Therefore, it is crucial that the ICC, BCCI, and the Indian government work together to ensure that the Pakistani team feels safe and welcome during the tournament.

In conclusion, while the issue of security concerns for the Pakistani team during their tours in India remains a sensitive topic, the preference for Chennai and Kolkata as venues for their World Cup matches is a strategic decision. The team has had positive experiences in these cities and feels comfortable playing there. However, it is important for the ICC, BCCI, and the Indian government to work together to ensure the team's safety and comfort during the tournament. With the World Cup approaching, all eyes will be on the Pakistani team as they take to the field to compete against some of the best teams in the world. The support of the fans and the advantage of playing on familiar pitches can help them in their quest to bring the trophy home.