(Cricket News) According to former pacer and 1992 World Cup winner Wasim Akram, there is no room for debate when it comes to Pakistan playing against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, as stated in the 2023 World Cup schedule unveiled on Tuesday.

Akram shared his perspective with reporters, stating, “There’s no issue with it. The team will play wherever they are assigned to play. It’s that simple. This unnecessary stress of ‘we won’t play in Ahmedabad’… if you ask Pakistani players, they don’t care about their schedule’s location.”

He further commented, “I believe in having pride, but if you have an ego and recognize that what’s happening is wrong, then speak up. However, after that, move on. Always plan and consider if we can accomplish what we intend to do. If we can’t, then it’s better not to engage in such discussions. It ends up becoming a source of amusement. We all have patriotism for our respective countries, and they will have it too. There’s no doubt about it. But at the end of the day, it’s just a game. Governments will handle their conversations; that’s their problem,” added the former Pakistan international.

In a conversation with The Indian Express last month, Pakistan Cricket Board chief Najam Sethi shared his reaction regarding the Pakistan match being scheduled in Ahmedabad. He humorously remarked, “Upon learning that the Pakistan match was set to take place in Ahmedabad, I couldn’t help but smile and think to myself, ‘Well, this is certainly one way to ensure we don’t visit India.’ If the venue had been Chennai or Kolkata, it might have made more sense.”

After the release of the draft schedule, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made several requests, including a venue change for the Australia and Afghanistan game from Chennai and Bangalore. However, their request was denied. Additionally, the PCB expressed reluctance to play at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai due to security concerns. Although none of Pakistan’s league stage matches will take place in Mumbai, if Pakistan qualifies for the semifinals scheduled in the city, it will be moved to Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

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