ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Pakistan Cricket Board lodged a formal complain to ICC

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed formal complain to ICC about crowd behaviour in Ahmedabad.

Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium hosted the biggest battle of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 between two arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, on Saturday. Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat against Indians and failed to get their maiden World Cup win against India. Narendra Modi Stadium was at its full capacity to host a big-money game in the event. The stadium looked painted in blue, and the crowd was one-sided to give India an extra home advantage.

Pakistani players also faced a little hostility from Ahmedabad crowd, as a few inappropriate slogans were raised during the game. Now, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) complained regarding their players being targeted in Ahmedabad. PCB also formally protested with ICC over the delay in visas for Pakistani journalists and the absence of a visa policy for Pakistan fans in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

PCB unhappy with Ahmedabad crowd

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have not specified the exact incident in its complaint to International Cricket Council (ICC). PCB’s official handle on social media platform X posted a tweet regarding the update about Pakistan’s formal position on multiple issues after the India vs Pakistan clash. A source in PCB informed that PCB chief Zaka Ashraf was having rigorous meetings with board officials about his visit to India.

PCB chief Zaka Ashraf was present in Ahmedabad to witness the high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan. A source informed that, “Zaka Ashraf was present in Ahmedabad for the match against India and is witness to some incidents that have left him unhappy despite the Indian cricket officials' great hospitality.” The PCB chief came to India with 60 journalists who were awaiting their visas to cover the big World Cup event.

Earlier, Pakistan cricket team director Mickey Arthur gave a bizarre reason for Pakistan’s loss against India and blamed the DJ for not playing ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’ and that it looked like a BCCI event and not ICC event. International Cricket Council (ICC) chairperson, Greg Barcley, expressed that the governing body is trying its best to make the World Cup a successful event. India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets.