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Following a high-level ministerial and government agencies’ meeting in Pakistan, a positive conclusion was reached regarding the national cricket team’s participation in the upcoming World Cup. The committee, led by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto, expressed optimism that Babar Azam’s team would receive a level of security similar to what was provided during their tour of India for the Twenty20 World Cup in 2016.
As part of the preparations, a security delegation will be dispatched to the potential venues in the upcoming weeks.
Reliable sources indicate that the committee has instructed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to formally communicate with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding security concerns and the upcoming visit by the reconnaissance team.
Despite ongoing tensions between the two countries, the prevailing sentiment from the meeting leans towards supporting the team’s tour to India, with a strong emphasis on separating sports from politics. An official statement from the foreign ministry is expected to be released soon.
The committee, established by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was assigned the task of providing recommendations to the government concerning the team’s participation in the World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from October 5 to November 19.
Besides Foreign Minister Bhutto Zardari, the meeting was attended by Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s adviser Qamar Zaman Qaira, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar. Representatives from various security agencies were also reportedly present during the meeting.
Do read about the World Cup Qualifiers Schedule, Teams and other important details such as live streaming.
