Pakistan’s foreign ministry has announced that it is currently evaluating various aspects of the country’s participation in the upcoming 50-overs World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India. Bilateral cricketing ties between the two South Asian neighbors have been at a standstill due to strained political relations. Over the past decade, Pakistan and India have only faced each other in multi-team events held at neutral venues. As a result, concerns have arisen regarding Pakistan’s involvement in the World Cup, set to take place in October-November.

Recently, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, a prominent Pakistani leader, visited India’s Goa for a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), marking the first visit by a senior Pakistani official to India in nine years. In light of these developments, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, emphasized that politics should not interfere with sports and expressed disappointment with India’s decision to not play cricket matches in Pakistan.

Baloch stated that Pakistan is closely observing and evaluating all relevant factors, including the security situation for Pakistani cricketers, in relation to their participation in the World Cup. The Pakistani authorities will communicate their perspectives to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in due course.

The uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation has led to the delay in finalizing the dates and venues for the World Cup, leaving just over three months before the tournament’s commencement.

Furthermore, India has already declined to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, scheduled to begin on August 31. In response, Pakistan has threatened to boycott the World Cup if they lose the hosting rights for the Asia Cup. To find a compromise, the Asian Cricket Council has proposed a “hybrid model” for the regional tournament, with four matches to be held in Pakistan and the remaining nine matches in Sri Lanka.