Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has requested a venue swap for their matches against Afghanistan and Australia in the upcoming 2023 World Cup, slated to be held in India in October-November.

As per the draft, Pakistan are due to face Afghanistan in Chennai while their match against Australia is slated to be held in Bangalore.

With the ODI World Cup schedule yet to be announced, PCB analysts have proposed a venue swap, Cricket Pakistan reported on Saturday (June 17).

According to the report, PCB analysts studied data for Babar Azam’s side heading into the marquee tournament. Consequently, the Najam Sethi-led board requested to relocate their match against Australia to Chennai and their game against Afghanistan to Bengaluru.

The iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is known for assisting spinners. Since Afghanistan have the likes of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman in their ranks, Pakistan came up with a request for a venue swap.

The report also claims that some PCB officials feel India intentionally scheduled games where Pakistan may face difficulties with pitch conditions, practice facilities and travel arrangements.

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is pushing for the India versus Pakistan World Cup clash to be held in Ahmedabad.

Earlier, it was reported that PCB doesn’t want Pakistan’s World Cup games to be played in Ahmedabad unless it is a knock-out fixture like final. The apex body has cited the importance of revenue to stage the high-octane clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, which has a capacity of 100,000 spectators.

However, PCB has said that it will seek permission from its government before making any commitments in this regard.

(Cricket Pakistan Inputs)