ODI World Cup 2023: ICC refutes speculations of Pakistan playing their matches in Bangladesh

Sources in the International Cricket Council (ICC) have dismissed the speculations about Pakistan playing their ODI World Cup matches in Bangladesh. Earlier on Wednesday, March 29, several reports claimed that Pakistan’s matches will be held in Bangladesh instead of India due to the political tensions between both countries. Notably, the 50-over World Cup is reported to be held across twelve venues in India from October 5.

According to an ICC board source, the reports on Pakistan playing in Bangladesh are false as no such discussions occurred during the recent ICC board meeting in Dubai. He also added that they were not aware of whether the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi had a conversation with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Najmul Hasan Papon regarding the same. 

"No one knows if PCB chief Mr. Najam Sethi has had any informal discussions with his Bangladeshi counterpart Najmul Hasan Papon, but this can be said with a degree of certainty that no such discussions happened officially that Pakistan will play in Bangladesh," an ICC board source told PTI.

Most important thing for host country is to provide visas on time, says ICC source

The source also pointed out that the procurement of visas was discussed during the meeting. He also said that the most important thing for the host nation is to provide visas to other participating countries on time. He further added that Bangladesh hasn't yet been considered as a co-host for Pakistan's matches.

"The BCCI has categorically said that there will be no problems with the procurement of visas. One of the main points for a host country is that all participating nations will be given visas on time. From ICC's part, Bangladesh is not even in its scheme of things as a co-host as of now," the source said.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier announced they will not send their players to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup. Following that, PCB also hinted that they would boycott the ODI World Cup if India were not to travel to Pakistan. Notably, the continental championship will be played in September, just before the showpiece event.