ICC CWC 2023: Jay Shah confirms more changes to World Cup schedule after Ind-Pak match moved to October 14th
Toby Marshall
The much-awaited India vs Pakistan match has undergone a rescheduling, now set for October 14, one day earlier than its previous date, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The World Cup 2023 schedule is anticipated to see further changes, with an official announcement expected on August 31, as per India Today’s report.
The decision to reschedule the match was prompted by concerns expressed by the Ahmedabad police regarding security arrangements on October 15. This date coincides with the commencement of the Hindu festival Navaratri, and with the added intensity of an India-Pakistan cricket clash in the city, authorities may face challenges in effectively managing the event.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah recently stated that a schedule change for the ODI World Cup, scheduled for later this year, is likely after three boards approached the ICC with a request for modifications. He further explained that only the date and timings of the matches will be adjusted, aiming to reduce the gap to 4-5 days. However, the specific names of ICC full members who requested the schedule change were not disclosed by the BCCI secretary.
Following a meeting with the associations hosting World Cup games on Thursday, Jay Shah, the BCCI Secretary, disclosed that three members had approached the ICC to request a schedule change. The proposed changes involve adjusting the date and timings of the matches, while the venues will remain unaffected.
Their aim is to minimize the current six-day gap between games to a more favourable 4-5 days. The finalized plan will be communicated within the next three to four days, and the adjustments will be made in consultation with the ICC.
The decision to reschedule the match came after security agencies advised the Board of Control for Cricket in India to do so, citing potential challenges in managing the logistics of the game.
According to a source within the Board of Control for Cricket in India, it was disclosed that the security agencies suggested rescheduling the significant match as October 15 falls on the opening day of Navratri celebrations. The security officials anticipate that the match would necessitate a substantial deployment of security personnel, hence the recommendation for a change in schedule. This information was reported by PTI.
While the match is likely to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, cricket enthusiasts will now need to adjust their travel plans. In the rush to secure tickets and make advance arrangements, room rentals skyrocketed by nearly 10 times, and ticket rates on various flight booking websites surged due to the unprecedented demand.
