The Foreign Ministry of Pakistan has officially confirmed that the country’s cricket team will be traveling to India to participate in the ICC World Cup 2023. This decision comes in response to Pakistan’s earlier threat of pulling out of the World Cup after India announced that it would not be traveling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023. In a press release, the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan emphasized the importance of keeping sports separate from politics.
“Pakistan has consistently maintained that sports should not be mixed with politics. It has, therefore, decided to send its cricket team to India to participate in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023,” stated the press release from the foreign ministry.
The press release further highlighted that this decision reflects Pakistan’s constructive and responsible approach towards India’s stubborn attitude. Pakistan firmly believes that politics should not obstruct the fulfillment of international sports obligations.
“Pakistan believes that the state of bilateral relations with India should not hinder the fulfillment of its international sports-related obligations. Pakistan’s decision demonstrates its constructive and responsible approach towards India’s refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup,” added the release.
Ensuring the security of the Pakistan team
The foreign ministry of Pakistan also expressed its concerns regarding the security of its cricket team while in India. These concerns have been conveyed to both the International Cricket Council and the Indian authorities.
“Pakistan, however, has deep concerns about the security of its cricket team. We are communicating these concerns to the International Cricket Council and the Indian authorities. We expect that the full safety and security of the Pakistan cricket team will be ensured during their visit to India,” stated the foreign ministry of Pakistan.
The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan World Cup match is scheduled for 14 October at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.