International Cricket Council Chairman Greg Barclay and Chief Executive Geoff Allardice are scheduled to visit Pakistan on May 30 for a two-day visit, as announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
This visit holds significant importance as it marks Barclay’s first trip to Pakistan and the first visit by an ICC chairman since 2008.
Both officials are expected to meet with PCB Management Committee Chair Najam Sethi, PCB Chief Operating Officer Barrister Salman Naseer, and other board officials during their stay in Lahore.
The timing of the visit coincides with heightened tensions between Pakistan and India concerning the Asia Cup and the World Cup. Bilateral cricket matches between the two nations have been affected by strained political relations, leading to matches being held only in multi-team events at neutral venues. India recently declined to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Asia Cup in September, citing security concerns. In response, the PCB proposed a “hybrid model,” suggesting that the matches be played in the United Arab Emirates.
Additionally, Najam Sethi, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, has expressed concerns about Pakistan’s hosting rights for the Asia Cup. He has stated that if Pakistan loses the hosting rights, there is a real possibility of the country boycotting this year’s World Cup. The outcome of these discussions and decisions will have significant implications for the future of cricket between Pakistan and India.
The visit by ICC officials Barclay and Allardice to Pakistan reflects ongoing efforts to address cricketing relations between the two countries. The discussions held during their visit could pave the way for resolving the challenges faced in organizing bilateral series and hosting major tournaments. The PCB and ICC officials are expected to engage in productive conversations during their two-day visit, aiming to foster cooperation and find suitable solutions for the betterment of cricket in the region.
