The International Cricket Council (ICC) sources on Wednesday dismissed
speculations about Pakistan playing their World Cup matches in Bangladesh
instead of India due to the political tension between the two countries,
terming it a “figment of imagination”. The rebuttal came after reports that
discussions were held during the recent ICC board meeting in Dubai about
Pakistan possibly playing their league games in Bangladesh.”No one knows if PCB chief Mr Najam Sethi has had any informal discussion
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 privy to the
developments told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
speculations about Pakistan playing their World Cup matches in Bangladesh
instead of India due to the political tension between the two countries,
terming it a “figment of imagination”. The rebuttal came after reports that
discussions were held during the recent ICC board meeting in Dubai about
Pakistan possibly playing their league games in Bangladesh.”No one knows if PCB chief Mr Najam Sethi has had any informal discussion
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 privy to the
developments told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
The source did point out that procurement of visas was an issue that was
discussed and, contrary to conjectures made from the PCB’s part, the Indian
cricket board has assured of all assistance.
“The BCCI has categorically said that there will be no problems with
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.
“Suppose Pakistan reach the semi-finals or win to play the finals, do they
expect the matches to be played in Bangladesh. This is not a theatre of
absurd happening,” the board member added.
