- According to sources, there will be a delegation assigned to review security measures and make arrangements at the venues.
- Sources indicate that the delegation is expected to visit the venues after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) elects a new chairman.
- The visit is expected to take place after consultations with the Interior Ministry and the Foreign Office (FO).
Pakistan Security Delegation to Assess World Cup Venues in India
Pakistan is making preparations to dispatch its security delegation to India to conduct venue inspections. The purpose of this visit is to assess the facilities and ensure security measures are in place before granting clearance for the national team to travel to India for the upcoming World Cup.
As per reliable sources, the delegation will thoroughly review the security and other necessary arrangements at the venues designated for Pakistan’s matches. Their primary objective is to ensure a safe and conducive environment for the Pakistani team during the matches.
Furthermore, the sources have revealed that the delegation will embark on the visit to the arch-rival country subsequent to consultations with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This cautious approach highlights the importance of taking all necessary measures and obtaining necessary clearances before the delegation’s travel.
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Following the election of a new chairman by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the delegation is expected to visit several cities in India, including Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad. The purpose of these visits is to assess the venues and their security arrangements for the upcoming events.
“On Saturday, an official source from the Inter-Provincial Coordination (Sports) Ministry, quoted by Press Trust of India, revealed that the security delegation, accompanied by representatives from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), will conduct inspections at the venues where Pakistan will be playing in the World Cup. Their assessment will encompass the security arrangements and other necessary preparations made for the Pakistani team,” the source stated.
“The official mentioned that it is customary for the cricket board to seek permission from the government before any tour to India. Typically, the government sends a delegation to India as part of this process,” the official explained.
“The delegation will engage in discussions and interact with the officials in India. They will thoroughly inspect and assess the security and other arrangements in place for our players, officials, fans, and media who will be attending the tournament,” the official elaborated.
“If the delegation identifies any concerns during their assessment, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will share the report with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI),” the official stated.
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Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially expressed its position regarding the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 following the release of the tournament’s schedule by the governing body of the sport on Tuesday.
As per a spokesperson from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the board “obtains clearance from the Government of Pakistan for any tour to India, including the match venues.”
“We are in communication with our government for guidance, and once we receive their instructions, we will inform the Event Authority [ICC]. This aligns with the position we conveyed to the ICC a few weeks ago when they shared the draft schedule with us and requested our feedback,” the spokesperson further stated.
Pakistan’s schedule for ICC World Cup 2023:
October 6: Pak vs Qualifier 1 in Hyderabad
October 12: Pak vs Qualifier 2 in Hyderabad
October 15: Pak vs India in Ahmedabad
October 20: Pak vs Australia in Bengaluru
October 23: Pak vs Afghanistan in Chennai
October 27: Pak vs South Africa in Chennai
October 31: Pak vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
November 4: Pak vs New Zealand Bengaluru
November 12: Pak vs England in Kolkata