India has declined to provide any “special treatment” to Pakistan in response to the country’s request for security assurance for its cricket team during their visit to India for the World Cup this year. Last week, Pakistan’s foreign ministry approved the team for travel to India for the world cup. Yet, the foreign ministry expressed concerns about the national team’s security in India.
The official spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi, stated that the Pakistan team would not receive any special treatment. He emphasized that the Pakistan team holds the same level of importance as any other team, and they will receive proper security coverage as required.
Last week, the Islamabad government granted approval for the national team’s participation in the World Cup scheduled to take place in India in October and November this year.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed in a press release that Pakistan has consistently advocated for the separation of sports from politics. Therefore, Pakistan has decided to send its Cricket Team to India for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Nevertheless, the foreign ministry expressed apprehensions regarding the security of the national team during their time in India.
Pakistan’s World Cup journey will commence on October 6, with a match against the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Foreign Office Gives Green Signal To The Cricket Team To Participate In The World Cup In India
The Pakistan Cricket Team will travel to India for the ODI World Cup, as confirmed by the Foreign Office spokesperson. The statement emphasizes that Pakistan does not mix sports with politics. The country believes that bilateral ties with India should not hinder sports-related obligations.
Despite the decision to participate, the Foreign Office still has concerns about the security of the team. These concerns were communicated to the Indian government and the International Cricket Council (ICC). The Foreign Office expects full security for the team during the tour. It hopes that the team will not face any harm during their stay in India.
Pakistan last toured India in 2016 for the T20 World Cup and has not visited their neighbors since then. The last bilateral series between Pakistan and India was played in 2012-2013 in India. However, the Indian team has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.
