'Boss, this isn't some local tournament. It's a bloody World Cup': Ex-Pakistan star ridicules PCB's stubborn stance

Pakistan are playing their World Cup league matches across five venues where India are playing theirs at 9 different cities.

The ICC's reveal of the World Cup 2023 schedule has finally ended the suspense around the much-awaited India vs Pakistan fixture. The venue is Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium and the date, October 15. Despite three and a half months to go, the hotels in the city are sold out already and the sale of tickets are expected to generate a maddening rush among the public. With so much excitement around the blockbuster clash, news coming from across the border could be a bit of a dampener. After Pakistan's request to move two of their matches from the original venue was turned down, the Pakistan Cricket Board is back to throwing tantrums about the team's participation in the World Cup. As of now, the PCB is remaining mum and as per reports will only give a confirmation after thoroughly investigating the venues.

Will or won't the Pakistan cricket team tour India for the World Cup? (Getty)

Amid the board's stubborn stance, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has appealed to the PCB to go mellow and not be so adamant about not playing. On his YouTube channel, the ex-batter pointed out certain advantages that Pakistan will benefit from if they don't meddle too much and stick to the original schedule. Basit also stressed that he is pretty confident of the Pakistan government giving a green light to the national team to go ahead as after all, this is the 50-over Cricket World Cup which comes only once every four years.

"I am hearing on news channels and YouTube that Pakistan may not be willing to play their matches in Ahmedabad and one more venue. Why not? ICC's schedule for the World Cup is a huge advantage for Pakistan. If 1,25,000 come to attend the match in Ahmedabad, the pressure is on India, and not Pakistan. If India was to play the Asia Cup in Pakistan, then pressure would have been on Pakistan," he said.

"I don't know why people can't understand this simple thing. And Afghanistan is a weak team - yes, they have good spinners - but wherever the schedule has been finalised, just play. This is nonsense. I keep hearing that Pakistan may not get the permission. Of course, they will. Boss, it's not some local tournament. It's a bloody World Cup."

From a neutral perspective, Pakistan have a pretty easy schedule. They are playing their 9 league matches across five venues – Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata – a stark contrast to India, who will be travelling to nine different cities for their games. This as Basit highlights, is a huge advantage, which he urged the PCB to open their eyes to.

"Now the second part… the advantage which Pakistan has. Normally, each team will be playing two warm-up matches, but in Pakistan's case, they will technically be playing 4 – two practice games and one each against the two qualifying teams – before they face India in Ahmedabad. If Pakistan go into the India tie on the back of a formidable show against the four teams previously, it will be a huge boost for them and the players," he added.

"Imagine Babar Azam scoring a century or Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah picking a five-wicket haul. Just imagine what it will do to their confidence against India. So it is my heartfelt request. Please play your matches as per the schedule."