'We are Observing and Evaluating All Aspects': Pakistan's Foreign Ministry on Travel To India for WC 2023
India and Pakistan last faced each other in ICC T20 WC 2022 [Source: Twitter]
Geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan have always dictated terms when it comes to bilateral cricketing ties between these two arch-rivals. However, lately, both teams have engaged against each other in several International Cricket Council (ICC) events like T20 World 2021 and 2022 and could face off in the soon-to-be-played Asia Cup 2023 as well.
With the upcoming Cricket World Cup 2023 scheduled in India for later his year, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will need clearance from their government to set foot on Indian shores.
Now, for the first time, a representative from Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially stated that the current government is 'observing and evaluating' all aspects of its men's cricket team's visit to India for the marquee event.
As quoted by ESPNCricinfo, spokesperson for Foreign Ministry, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch also expressed its disappointment with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their no-travel policy to Pakistan.
Here's what Baloch said
"Regarding cricket, Pakistan is of the view that politics should not be mixed with sports. India's policy of not playing cricket in Pakistan is disappointing. We are observing and evaluating all aspects relating to our participation in the World Cup including the security situation for Pakistani cricketers and we will offer our views to PCB in due course."
India hasn't toured Pakistan since 2008, and last played a bilateral series against Pakistan in 2012-13. Pakistan last visited India during the ICC T20 World Cup 2016, where following concerns their match against the hosts was shifted from Dharamsala to Kolkata.
Meanwhile, the schedule for the CWC 2023 is expected to be out soon by next week, with ICC doing last-minute work on the itinerary.
 "Vishal Mehra")
