Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has established a prominent committee to address the issue of Pakistan’s participation in the Cricket World Cup in India. Chaired by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the committee comprises heads of Pakistan’s intelligence agencies and several high-profile ministers. The committee’s primary responsibility is to provide recommendations regarding Pakistan’s travel plans to India. The final decision on Pakistan’s participation will rest with the Prime Minister, who will consider the committee’s suggestions.
The committee was formed in response to a letter from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seeking guidance from the government on whether the team should travel to India. The letter also inquired about any reservations concerning the five venues for the matches and whether a security delegation should be sent to India.
One crucial decision the committee will make is whether Pakistan will travel to Ahmedabad for their third league-stage game against India on October 15. Additionally, the committee will offer recommendations regarding Pakistan’s tour of the other four Indian cities where they are scheduled to play.
The current schedule of the Cricket World Cup includes matches against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka in Hyderabad, India; Australia and New Zealand in Bengaluru; Bangladesh and England in Kolkata; and Afghanistan and South Africa in Chennai.
Apart from Foreign Minister Zardari, the committee includes Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, among other notable members. The committee also includes heads of intelligence agencies and the Foreign Secretary. Its composition aims to provide representation from various political parties to ensure decision-making remains unaffected by potential government changes, considering the incumbent government’s remaining 34 days in its electoral term.