The minister in-charge of sports in Pakistan, Ehsaan Mazari, has warned that the national side will withdraw from the World Cup in India if the Men in Blue avoid the Asia Cup.

Pakistan will host the Asia Cup this year.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Mazari said, “My personal opinion, since the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) comes under my ministry, is that if India demands to play their Asia Cup games at a neutral venue, we would also demand the same for our World Cup games in India.”

Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has formed a high-profile committee headed by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for the deliberations over Pakistan's participation in ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, which is being hosted by India, sources told Geo News.

The relationship between India and Pakistan has touched new lows in recent years and both nations have not participated in bilateral cricket tournaments for several years now.

However, the two sides have clashed in ICC events like World Cup, T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy.

The two sides have also competed in Asia Cup.