News Sports Cricket No additional security for Pakistan cricket team during ICC World Cup 2023, Indian government confirms

No additional security for Pakistan cricket team during ICC World Cup 2023, Indian government confirms

"The Pakistan cricket team will be treated just like the cricket team of any other country participating in the ICC World Cup," the External Affairs Ministry said.

Virat Kohli, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan during ICC World Cup game in October 2021 Image Source : GETTYVirat Kohli, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan during ICC World Cup game in October 2021

Pakistan men's cricket team will not get any additional or extra security during their ICC World Cup 2023 campaign. The External Affairs Ministry confirmed that all travelling teams, including Pakistan, will be provided with similar security for their stay in India.

Pakistan is set to play in India for the first time in the last seven years having played in the 2016 T20 World Cup. Babar Azam-led side received their final confirmation to travel to India for the World Cup last week only. They will open their campaign against Netherlands on October 6 and will face hosts India at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on October 14.

Pakistan's government was reportedly seeking better security for their team but the External Affairs Ministry added that the Pakistan Cricket team will be treated as other teams and said they will provide all necessary security to every participating team. 

"The Pakistan cricket team will be treated just like the cricket team of any other country participating in the ICC World Cup," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. "Of course, we would hope that all necessary security will be provided not just to them but to all other participating teams. I hope that there is a good match and I hope this is not war as it seems to be made out to be."

Pakistan's ICC World Cup 2023 Schedule:

October 6 - Pakistan v Netherlands, Hyderabad, 2 pm IST

October 10 - Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Hyderabad, 2 pm IST

October 14 - Pakistan v India, Ahmedabad, 2 pm IST

October 20 - Pakistan v Australia, Bengaluru, 2 pm IST

October 23 - Pakistan v Afghanistan, Chennai, 2 pm IST

October 27 - Pakistan v South Africa, Chennai, 2 pm IST

October 31 - Pakistan v Bangladesh, Kolkata, 2 pm IST

November 4 - Pakistan v New Zealand, Bengaluru, 10:30 am IST

November 11 - Pakistan v England, Kolkata, 2 pm IST