We are just a few months away from the start of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. The mega event is set to take place between October and November. The first match will be played between England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium on October 5. Ten teams will play a total of 48 games, including the final match on November 19. Eight teams made direct entry to the competition. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands made their way through the World Cup Qualifier 2023 in Zimbabwe.
However, one news story that has taken the limelight in the last couple months is Pakistan's participation in the World Cup. Notably, Pakistan got the hosting rights for the upcoming Asia Cup, but India denied traveling to Pakistan for the tournament. On that note, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also denied that if India doesn't travel for the Asia Cup, they will not play the World Cup in India. Adding to that, PCB also confirmed that they are seeking the government's approval to travel in India.
Will Pakistan travel to India for 2023 ODI World Cup?
Pakistan's participation is still under scrutiny. The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on October 15 (Sunday). But Pakistan has yet to confirm its stand.
So, what will happen if they don't come to India? However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that every participating nation has signed a contract to take part in the competition in India.
According to the agreement signed, every nation is bound to play in the competition. The ICC source said, "Pakistan have signed a participation agreement to compete and we expect them to be there and have had no indications to the contrary All Members have to abide by the rules and the laws of their country and we respect that. But we’re confident Pakistan will be in India for the Men’s Cricket World Cup."
What will happen if Pakistan doesn't travel to India for 2023 ODI World Cup?
However, the newly appointed PCB chairman, Zaka Ashraf, has also said that the PCB needs the approval of the government to take part in the World Cup. Well, as per the agreement, all the qualified team members are bound to travel to India. But if Pakistan denies not playing in India, then, as per the rule, they will not be part of the tournament.
That will allow the third-ranked team in the recently concluded World Cup Qualifier to replace them in the competition. The ICC source told Times Now, "If Pakistan decides against coming to India for the ODI World Cup 2023. Then it will be replaced by the third-top team from the WC qualifiers." It means if Pakistan does not play, it will be Scotland that makes the trip to India for the World Cup. Scotland did a brilliant job in the World Cup Qualifiers. They also won against the West Indies and Zimbabwe to end the tournament in third place.