The much-awaited game of the 2023 ODI World Cup between India-Pakistan in Ahmedabad is likely to be rescheduled due to the first day of Navratri, a grand festival celebrated with mass participation across Gujarat. It is learned that BCCI is likely to hold talks with the stakeholders regarding the change in the schedule. The world’s largest stadium can host more than 1,00,000 spectators in the World Cup.
The India-Pakistan rivalry in cricket is one of the most intense and storied rivalries in cricket. In recent years, the excitement for the clash has only increased as India and Pakistan play against each other only in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup following the suspension of the bilateral ties.
According to reports in Indian Express, BCCI is mulling to look at the options regarding the potential change in the schedule due to the Navratri festival in the state as security officials are concerned about the high-profile game as the thousands of fans across the world are expected to travel to Gujarat to spectacle the much-awaited game in the country.
“We are mulling the options that we have and a decision will be taken soon. We have been told by the security agencies that a high-profile game like India vs Pakistan, for which thousands of traveling fans are expected to reach Ahmedabad, should be avoided since they will be stretched because of Navratri,”
If the reports are to be believed most of the hotels in Ahmedabad are pre-booked for the game between India-Pakistan and if the match schedule is changed there is potential mass cancellation of the booking of hotels if the schedule is changed.
The much-anticipated ICC ODI World Cup 2023 is to begin on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The venue, which is the largest cricket stadium in the world, is also set to host the final, scheduled to take place on November 19.
It is reported that BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has called up all World Cup hosting state associations for a meeting regarding the decision and discussion of hosting the games.
“I feel it will be in the best interest of all concerned that we meet again to exchange notes and take stock of any issue which needs discussion and decision. Accordingly, you are hereby requested to attend a meeting of the World Cup hosting associations,”
As many fans believe the ODI World Cup this year will be the best chance for the Indian Team to end their ICC title drought, it has already hit an obstacle by injuries to main players like Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Kl Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer.
Indian team failed to win a single ICC trophy post-Champions Trophy victory in 2013 under the leadership of MS Dhoni. Pertinently, India failed to cross the hurdle in the knockout stages despite doing well in the league stages in the past few years.