“We would also demand the same for our World Cup games” – Pakistan sports minister on India’s playing on neutral venues in Asia Cup 2023.

Pakistan’s Minister for Sports, Ehsaan Mazari, has expressed his views on the possibility of adopting neutral venues for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, following India’s advocacy for neutral venues for the Asia Cup 2023. While Pakistan is set to host the Asia Cup 2023, a hybrid model was established, with matches planned in both Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Mazari hinted that Pakistan might consider a similar approach for the upcoming ICC event, avoiding travel to their neighboring country.

Ehsaan Mazari’s recent statement regarding the potential adoption of neutral venues for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 reflects Pakistan’s willingness to explore alternative arrangements, similar to India’s stance for the Asia Cup 2023. Pakistan, being the host nation for the Asia Cup, had initially planned for matches to take place in both Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Pakistan’s sports minister said “My personal opinion, since the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) comes under my ministry, is that if India demands to play their Asia Cup games at a neutral venue, we would also demand the same for our World Cup games in India.”