Pakistan’s Sports Minister, Ehsan Mazari, has stipulated rigorous prerequisites for the national cricket team’s engagement in the eagerly awaited 2023 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted in India. With the tournament being an extraordinary spectacle in the realm of sports, Ehsan Mazari’s bombshell have enshrouded men in green participation in a pall of uncertainty.
Ehsan Mazari’s Bombshell On Pakistan Participation In The World Cup 2023
The Sports Minister with direct oversight of the PCB, has expressed his personal opinion regarding India’s hosting of the World Cup. Ehsan Mazari’s bombshell statement revolves around the demand for parity between the green team and the blue team when it comes to hosting matches.
He argued that if the blue team insists on playing their Asia Cup games at a neutral venue, the green team should also demand the same for their tournament matches in India. This expected stance has intensified the already heated debate surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the prestigious tournament.
“My personal opinion, since the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) comes under my ministry, is that if India demands to play their Asia Cup games at a neutral venue, we would also demand the same for our World Cup games in India”
Also Read: Should Pakistan travel to India for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023?
Mazari On Hosting Rights Of The Asia Cup 2023
Amidst growing speculation surrounding the hosting rights of the Asia Cup 2023, the Sports Minister has firmly stated that Men in Green, as the designated host, should have the exclusive privilege of organizing all matches within its own borders. He emphasized that this is the heartfelt desire of cricket enthusiasts, who yearn for a pure and undiluted experience of the tournament.
Rejecting the notion of a hybrid model, Ehsan Mazari’s bombshell resolute stance underscores the importance of preserving the integrity and essence of this tournament, according to the sentiments of passionate cricket lovers.
“Pakistan is the host [for the Asia Cup], it has the right to hold all the matches in Pakistan. That is what the cricket lovers want, I don’t want a hybrid model”
Ehsan Tells About The Committee Who Will Look At This Matter
Sports Minister has revealed that a dedicated committee has been formed to address the contentious matter at hand. Headed by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the committee comprises 11 ministers, including himself. Their primary task is to thoroughly deliberate on the issue and present their recommendations to the Prime Minister, who also holds the esteemed position of the PCB’s patron-in-chief. The final decision regarding green shirt’s stance on this tournament participation will ultimately rest with the Prime Minister.
“The committee will be headed by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and I am among the 11 ministers who are part of it. We will discuss the issue and give our recommendations to the PM, who is also the patron-in-chief of PCB. The PM will take the final decision”
Mazari Blames India For Including Politics In Cricket
Sports Minister has criticized the blue team for injecting politics into sports. Expressing bewilderment, he questioned the government’s reluctance to send their cricket team to Pakistan, stating that it remains a mystery to him.
He highlighted instances where sporting delegations from this country, such as the baseball and bridge teams, had visited Islamabad and successfully competed, leaving immediately after their victories.
In an effort to showcase the reciprocal nature of sports, he mentioned men in green football, hockey, and chess teams, which have travelled to this country without any issues. These examples underscore his frustration with the politicization of this sport and the contrasting treatment of sporting events between the two nations. The Sports Minister’s remarks shed light on the broader dynamics that often overshadow the pure spirit of sportsmanship.
“India brings sports into politics. I don’t understand why the Indian government doesn’t want to send their cricket team here. Some time back a huge baseball contingent from India was in Islamabad to play. There was also the bridge team that had travelled to Pakistan. There were around 60 plus people, I was the chief guest of the event. They won here and left. Pakistan’s football, hockey and chess teams also travel to India”
Ehsan Mazari Addresses Security Concerns
Addressing the prevailing security concerns surrounding this country, the Sports Minister dismissed them as an unsubstantiated argument. Citing recent examples, he pointed out that the New Zealand and England teams had successfully toured this country, with both teams being provided with the highest level of security, even including presidential-level protection.
He further highlighted the warm reception given to this team during their previous visit to the city of lights, emphasizing that security should not be used as a mere excuse.
To bolster his stance, he referenced the PSL, which has attracted numerous foreign players, demonstrating the successful hosting of international sporting events within the country.
By challenging the notion of inadequate security, Ehsan seeks to dispel any lingering doubts and assure the cricketing world of men in green capability to ensure a safe and secure environment for all teams involved.
“It [security concerns] wasn’t a solid argument. The New Zealand team was here, before that the England cricket team was in Pakistan. They got presidential security. Earlier, the Indian team was given a hearty welcome by the fans here. Security is an excuse. We also held the Pakistan Super League (PSL) that had so many foreign player”
