In the aftermath of the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the 2023 ODI World Cup, the PCB is reportedly mulling over the prospect of lodging a complaint with the ICC. Discontentment arose from the actions of the partisan crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This prompted the PCB to consider formal action.
The match, eventually won by India with a comfortable seven-wicket margin, saw the stadium packed to capacity. However, the majority of the crowd consisted of Indian fans, as Pakistani supporters were allegedly denied visas for the event. Tensions escalated early in the game when Babar Azam faced heavy boos during the toss. It then set the tone for a contentious atmosphere.
A report from the Telegraph indicates that the PCB is displeased with the treatment meted out to its players throughout the match. The matter is currently under investigation by higher authorities at the PCB headquarters. The final decision is pending due to the return of PCB president Zaka Ashraf to Lahore on Monday.
Notably, Pakistan had played their warm-up games and league-stage matches in Hyderabad, where they enjoyed the support of local fans. However, the contrast in crowd behavior during the clash with India has raised concerns and prompted the PCB to consider formal action.
During a post-match press conference, members of the coaching staff, including Grant Bradburn and Mickey Arthur, expressed their dissatisfaction with the atmosphere. Arthur, in particular, likened the event to a bilateral series rather than a World Cup encounter, drawing criticism online.
“To be completely honest, it didn’t seem like an ICC event. It appeared to be a bilateral series and a BCCI event. We didn’t hear ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’ much tonight,” Arthur said.
“The fans would adore being here, just as I’m certain Indian cricket fans would like having our fans there. In that manner, it was undoubtedly unusual. In other words, it didn’t feel like a World Cup game,” Bradburn echoed Arthur’s sentiment.
As Pakistan gears up to face Australia at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, the controversy surrounding the crowd’s behavior continues to cast a shadow over the ongoing World Cup.