TNI Bureau: In a big development, which was unexpected, the Pakistani team will play in Odisha during the ICC Women’s World Cup that starts from January 31. Amidst tension between India and Pakistan over killings at the LoC and political threat not to allow Pakistani team to play in Gujarat and Mumbai, Odisha showed its interest to host the matches involving Pakistani team in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

According to initial report, all Group-B matches of Women’s World Cup will be held in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, while Group A games will be played in Mumbai.

Analysing the current situation between two neighbouring countries, the tournament organisers have decided to shift all Group B matches to Cuttack where Pakistan will play all their matches.

After Mumbai Cricket Association made it clear that it would be difficult to host the matches involving Pakistani team in the city, the ICC was looking for suitable venue for the matches where Pakistan team could be able to play safely without any disruption. Expressing concern over safety, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Zaka Ashraf had suggested to the ICC to shift the entire tournament to South Africa.

Finally, Odisha allowed Pakistani team for the matches showing no religious or regional bias. The diplomatic tie between two countries is in trouble after the killing of two Indian soldiers at the LoC on January 8.