The 2023 edition of the Men’s ODI World Cup will take place in India, marking them host the tournament alone for the first time. India co-hosted previous editions of the prestigious trophy on three occasions (1987, 1996 and 2011). This time, the tournament will feature ten teams and will be played across multiple venues in India.
According to reports, the coveted trophy will commence on October 5 with a match between the finalists of the 2019 edition, England and New Zealand. The summit clash will be held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19.
Eight teams have already secured direct qualifications, while the battle for the remaining two spots is being taking place at the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe. The scheduled draft indicates that Pakistan and India are set to face each other in a highly anticipated World Cup match in Ahmedabad on October 15th.
However, former Pakistan cricketer Javed Miandad, who was part of the 1992 World Cup-winning team, criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and suggested that the Men in Green should not visit India for the World Cup unless the BCCI agrees to send their team to Pakistan first. Miandad believes that it is now India’s turn to reciprocate by touring Pakistan.
“Pakistan has been to India in 2012 and even in 2016 now it is the turn of the Indians to come here,” Miandad said, while addressing the reporters.
“If I had to make a decision I would never go to India to play any match, even the World Cup. We are always ready to play them (India) but they never respond in the same manner,” the former cricketer added.
India last visited Pakistan in 2008 for the 50-over Asia Cup. Since then bilateral cricket ties got suspended due to long-standing geo political tensions between the two nations.
Miandad feels that sports should not be mixed with politics.
“I always say one can’t choose its neighbours, so it is better to live by cooperating with each other. And I have always said cricket is a sport which brings people closer to each other and can remove misunderstandings and grievances between countries,” the 66-year-old said.
In addition to highlighting the current state of cricket between the two nations, Miandad also reminisced about the past, recalling how the India-Pakistan series used to be.
“What it used to be that one year we played there, the following year they came here. Sports is meant to unite people and build relations between two countries,” Miandad pointed out.
He even emphasised that Pakistan’s cricket is better than India’s.
“If it was me, I would say get lost. We are better than them. Our cricket is better than them. We are producing talents that are making their name in the entire world,” Miandad said.
“Pakistan’s cricket is better than India’s. India can go to hell if they do not want to come here. Pakistan should refuse to travel to India for the World Cup,” Javed Miandad.
Miandad has criticised Narendra Modi as well. #CWC23 #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/Ulo23pPACn
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) June 18, 2023
It is worth mentioning that, Miandad’s fresh attack on the BCCI came after Pakistan were forced to host the upcoming Asia Cup in a hybrid model with India playing all their matches in Sri Lanka.
“It was on the cards that they would again not send their team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup so it is time we also take a strong stand now,” Miandad concluded.