ODI World Cup: India vs Pakistan Clash Could Be Rescheduled
Much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match in the ODI World Cup, originally scheduled for October 15, is facing a potential rescheduling due to clashes with the Hindu festival of Navratri.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering moving the high-profile match to October 14 after being informed by local police about potential security challenges on October 15, the first day of Navratri. Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India says that some member countries have shown their concerns on the schedule of ODI World Cup 2023 and we are looking for some changes in the schedules of matches. However, Pakistan Cricket Board has already shown negative thoughts on the venue of the Pak Vs India match and they also requested the ICC to change the venue. It is becoming a headache for the host country and let’s see what will be changes we will see in the schedule of ICC World Cup matches.
What Is Navratri?
Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, poses logistical issues for security arrangements during mass gatherings and night-long celebrations. With the game likely to be attended by dignitaries, the BCCI is exploring options to avoid any complications and ensure safety
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The BCCI has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the matter, but a final decision is yet to be made. A meeting with all the state associations hosting World Cup matches is scheduled for July 27 to address this concern before reaching a conclusive decision.
As of now, no specific date for the rescheduled match has been confirmed. However, reports suggest the game could be moved ahead or behind by a day (October 14 or 16). October 14 seems more feasible, considering Navratri will be on its second day on October 16.
Rescheduling the match, however, presents challenges as the original schedule involved careful coordination among the BCCI, ICC, and PCB. Given that fans have already made travel arrangements, a new date would be a major inconvenience for all parties involved.
The original World Cup schedule had October 14 listed as a double-header day, featuring England vs Afghanistan in a day match in Delhi and New Zealand vs Bangladesh in a day-night game in Chennai. While there are no triple-headers scheduled, there are two matches in six days.
India’s World Cup campaign starts on October 8 with a game against Australia in Chennai, followed by a match against Afghanistan on October 11 in Delhi before the India-Pakistan clash in Ahmedabad. Their subsequent fixture is against Bangladesh on October 19 in Pune.
For Pakistan, their tournament begins on October 6 with a game against the Netherlands in Hyderabad, followed by a match against Sri Lanka on October 12, also in Hyderabad, before facing India. Their fourth game is against Australia in Bengaluru on October 20.
If the match moves to October 14, Pakistan will have just a day between their games in Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, while India will have a two-day gap.
The potential rescheduling comes after a significant delay in announcing the World Cup schedule by the BCCI. Although match ticket sales have not yet been announced, fans and stakeholders have already made travel arrangements for the much-awaited clash, which historically attracts a massive global audience.
