PCB Prefers Non-Asian Warm-Up Opponent over Afghanistan for ICC World Cup
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its disinterest in playing a warm-up match against Afghanistan in the upcoming ICC World Cup, as per sources familiar with the matter. The PCB is inclined towards facing a non-Asian team during the warm-up stage, considering that they will already be competing against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup prior to the World Cup. In light of this, the PCB has communicated its stance to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
PCB Requests Venue Changes for World Cup Matches
Furthermore, the PCB has made a formal request to the ICC regarding the alteration of venues for their matches against Australia and Afghanistan in the upcoming World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India. The request stems from the belief that swapping the venues would favor Pakistan’s performance. As per an ESPNcricinfo report, the tentative schedule assigns Bengaluru as the venue for the match against Australia, and Chennai for the one against Afghanistan.
PCB’s Proposal to ICC for Venue Swaps
The internal note by the PCB reads, “Australia in Bengaluru and Afghanistan in Chennai are the two which we should look to get changed as much as possible. Ideally, we can switch these around. Australia in Chennai and Afghanistan in Bengaluru would make us obvious favorites in both matches.” The PCB aims to modify the venue for most of their matches, except for the high-stakes fixture against India in Ahmedabad on October 15.
Optimal Venues and Third Venue Change Possibility
The PCB believes that Lucknow would be a suitable ground for them, considering the overall numbers there. Additionally, Delhi would also be advantageous for most teams. However, the note acknowledges that the significance of the India versus Pakistan match and the influence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) make a venue change for that particular encounter highly unlikely. Nonetheless, if a third venue change is possible, the PCB suggests shifting the England game to either Lucknow or Chennai.
ICC World Cup Schedule Announcement
The official schedule for the ICC Cricket World Cup is expected to be announced on June 27, precisely 100 days before the tournament’s scheduled commencement on October 5.
Published in PakWeb, June 21st, 2023.
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