Ravichandran Ashwin gives verdict on PCB’s bizarre request to swap venues for ODI World Cup games in India

Apart from a brilliant all-rounder, veteran cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin ashwin is also known as a shrewd thinker of the game. The off-spinner has recently reacted on the bizarre request of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to swap the venues for two matches in the upcoming ODI World Cup to be played in India.

Pakistan are set to play against Australia at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium on October 20 and Afghanistan three days later at M Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. But Pakisan have requested to swap the venues for the two matches. However, no rational reasons have been provided by PCB for the swap. 

Giving his opinion about PCB’s request, Ashwin said that ICC is unlikely to pay heed to the request given the nature of the reason.

“Pakistan, in their request letter itself, have mentioned that conditions will favor Afghanistan in Chennai. So, by changing venues, it plays into an advantage for Pakistan. So, I highly doubt that ICC will heed to this request. Maybe if Pakistan have given some valid security reasons, then it might be shifted,” said Ashwin on his official Youtube channel.

“Only for security reasons, ICC will consider these requests. In the 2016 T20 WC, India vs Pakistan was slated to happen in Dharamsala but for security reasons, it got shifted to Kolkata.” Ashwin added.

Notably, ICC is expected to announce the fixture of the mega tournament on June 27.