MUMBAI - As a coordinator for CBFS (Cricketers' Benevolent Fund Series), Asif Iqbal has staged most number of ODIs' between Indian and Pakistan at Sharjah's Cricket Stadium. According to the former Pakistan captain, the ICC's forthcoming World Cup in 2011 is not going to be without serious problems.
"The most likely scenario is that all Pakistan matches to be played in Sri Lanka /Bangladesh and if, God willing Pak gets to the final, then it will be easy to provide security in one city. It is going to be tough with visas and security issues for the supporters and fans", he said from Kent were he is based now.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may also find it difficult to host their allotted matches in India considering the political scenario between the two nations. It is to be seen how Sharad Pawar, who would be the ICC president at that time would be able to convince the Indian government to change its stance. Pakistan government may also decide against sending their team tom play in India.
And Bal Thackrey (age 83), the Shiv Sena supremo's threat for not allowing Pakistani team to play in Mumbai cannot be ruled out either especially after 26/11.
"In spite of what Shiv Sena's protest in the past, Pak team did play in India. It will be easier for the Indian board and the Gov. to provide security in one city should the need arise. As for the shifting of the World Cup (in Australia and New Zealand), it is too late now and the ICC has already announced its decision," Asif Iqbal opined.
The next meeting of the 2011 World Cup Organising Committee is scheduled to take place in Dhaka and more discussions on this subject are likely on agenda.
Source
"The most likely scenario is that all Pakistan matches to be played in Sri Lanka /Bangladesh and if, God willing Pak gets to the final, then it will be easy to provide security in one city. It is going to be tough with visas and security issues for the supporters and fans", he said from Kent were he is based now.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may also find it difficult to host their allotted matches in India considering the political scenario between the two nations. It is to be seen how Sharad Pawar, who would be the ICC president at that time would be able to convince the Indian government to change its stance. Pakistan government may also decide against sending their team tom play in India.
And Bal Thackrey (age 83), the Shiv Sena supremo's threat for not allowing Pakistani team to play in Mumbai cannot be ruled out either especially after 26/11.
"In spite of what Shiv Sena's protest in the past, Pak team did play in India. It will be easier for the Indian board and the Gov. to provide security in one city should the need arise. As for the shifting of the World Cup (in Australia and New Zealand), it is too late now and the ICC has already announced its decision," Asif Iqbal opined.
The next meeting of the 2011 World Cup Organising Committee is scheduled to take place in Dhaka and more discussions on this subject are likely on agenda.
Source
No comments:
Post a Comment