"Adding Anti-India Sentiment For...": 1983 World Cup Winner On Pakistan's Venue Plea

Following the announcement of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 India schedule and venues, former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan said that it is not possible for Pakistan to "cherry pick" the venues it wants to play at since it is an ICC event. He also said that ICC and BCCI are on the same page about the schedule and the match between India and Pakistan should be played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which is "one of the finest stadiums in the world."

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan will square off at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 this October at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The opening game of the World Cup is scheduled to place at the same venue on October 5 with a match between defending champions England and New Zealand in Ahmedabad, the ICC announced on Tuesday.

"The World Cup final should be hosted in Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi stadium as it is one of the finest stadiums in the world. The schedule was due to be announced and as far as India versus Pakistan match is concerned, it is about whether Pakistan wants to play in Ahmedabad or not. Why would not they play because it is Gujarat. Pakistan is trying to cherry-pick the venues for their matches, which they should not. It is not possible. It is an ICC event. ICC and BCCI are on the same page (about the schedule). The match should happen at Narendra Modi Stadium," said Wassan to ANI.

"Pakistan cannot choose if they have a problem. India said that we would not play in Asia Cup as our government has decided due to security reasons. I am all for not playing bilateral series with them till relationships do not improve. But it is a multi-team tournament, we will have to play Pakistan at Asia Cup. If Pakistan says they would not come then do not come.