ICC Women World Cup: BCCI shifts match venue for Pakistan team

Sources say matches will probably be played in Cuttack.

MUMBAI: Keeping in mind the opposition of Shiv Sena against Pakistani players playing in Mumbai, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to change the venue for all the matches to be played by Pakistan’s team in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Women’s World Cup, Express News reported on Friday.

Sources said the matches will probably be played in Cuttack.

Earlier in the week, Pakistan hockey players had returned home after protests by the hardline right-wing political party which demanded an end to the involvement of Pakistan citizens in sports and other fields. Consequently, the BCCI started to search for other venues to move the World Cup from Mumbai, where Shiv Sena has a strong hold.

According to an official close to the matter, the BCCI was desperate to resolve the matter amicably as its image to host global events is at stake.

Pakistan Cricket Board chief Zaka Ashraf had also suggested that the World Cup be shifted to South Africa.