The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will push for a change for the venue of the T20 World Cup 2021 if they are not given the written assurance from the Indian government by the end of March. Addressing a presser in Lahore, Ehsan Mani, PCB’s Chairman, said that they want the visas for the players, fans, Pakistan journalists and the officials.
“There is a need to change the ‘Big Three’ mindset. We are not seeking written assurance for the visas of the national team only, but for the fans, officials and journalists as well,” Mani was quoted as saying by PTI.
“We have told the ICC that India should give written assurances by the end of March so that we know where we stand or we will push for the relocation of the World Cup from India to UAE,” he added.
The Pakistan cricket team will need clearance from the Indian government before they can land in India. Hence, the BCCI can’t have a say in this. The final decision will lie in the hands of the central government.
In 2016, the Men in Green were issued visas for the T20 World Cup, which took place in India. However, the league stage match between India and Pakistan was shifted out of Dharamsala.
The two teams don’t play any bilateral series now and only square off in the ICC events. Since the T20 World Cup is an ICC event, the Indian team will have to play against Pakistan. A clear picture regarding Pakistan’s participation should be out by next month.
