The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 is set to begin and end in Ahmedabad, with England and New Zealand likely to play the opening match on October 5 and the final to be held on November 19 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. India’s first match is likely to be against Australia in Chennai, while the highly anticipated game against Pakistan will take place on October 15, which is a Sunday, similar to the final, as reported by Cricbuzz.
However, sources in Pakistan have confirmed that they are unwilling to play their World Cup matches in Ahmedabad. The government of Pakistan also has to provide approval for the national side to travel. Now the question arises, will the BCCI budge to Pakistan’s stance?
Notably, Ahmedabad has the world’s largest cricket stadium – Narendra Modi Stadium – and the BCCI will naturally push for the biggest game in cricket world to be played at the marquee stadium. The PCB is requesting a few changes to the venues of its matches, but has agreed to play the final in Ahmedabad if their team qualifies.
ALSO READ: Tendulkar, Kohli, and Shots That Echo Through Decades
The BCCI is expected to release the schedule soon after receiving formal approval from all concerned parties.
ALSO READ: South Africa secure the last automatic qualification spot for the World Cup
Each team will play nine league games, ensuring that most centers, if not all, will host an India match.
The World Cup will feature ten teams and 48 matches, with India, England, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh having qualified.
South Africa is the most recent team to earn a direct entry, while the remaining two spots will be determined through a qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe in June and July, featuring former champions West Indies and Sri Lanka, as well as the Netherlands, Ireland, Nepal, Oman, Scotland, the United Arab Emirates, and host Zimbabwe.