World Cup-2023: Will India-Pakistan Match In Ahmedabad On Oct 15 Be Rescheduled

Mumbai: The much-awaited India-Pakistan World Cup-2023 match to be held in Ahmedabad on October 15 may be rescheduled. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is seriously considering changing the date of this blockbuster match. Actually, Navratri is starting from 15 October. Grand Raas-Garbas are also organized during Navratri in entire Gujarat including Ahmedabad. In such a situation security agencies have advised BCCI to change the itinerary. 

Could be held a day earlier

The ODI World Cup match between India and Pakistan can be held a day earlier.  In view of Navratri fesdtival on October 15, the security agencies have suggested to change the date or venue of the match. According to media reports, this match can now be held on 14 October.

England-Afghanistan match can be held on October 15

If the match between India and Pakistan is shifted to October 14, then the England-Afghanistan match can be held on October 15. As per the schedule, currently there are 2 matches on 14 October: The first match between New Zealand-Bangladesh will be held in Bengaluru and the second between England-Afghanistan in Delhi.

Change of date or venue could cause inconvenience to fans

If the date of the match is changed then it will cause hardship to the fans who have already booked flights and hotel rooms. Fans from every corner of the world turn up to watch the India-Pakistan blockbuster encounter, during which the broadcasters are also in silver as the TRPs skyrocket.

Decision will be taken soon: BCCI official

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a top BCCI official said, “We have been told by security agencies that lakhs of people are going to reach Ahmedabad on Navratri so a high-profile match like India-Pakistan can be extended. We are considering all the options available with us and a decision will be taken soon.

Narendra Modi Stadium set to host 4 matches

Late last month, when the ICC announced the World Cup schedule, the nearly one lakh capacity Narendra Modi Stadium was set to host four big matches, including the tournament opener between New Zealand and England, India vs Pakistan, England vs Australia and the final match. The semi-final matches of the 10-city World Cup will be played in Mumbai and Kolkata.

BCCI calls meeting

Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has called the hosting association of the World Cup matches for a meeting in New Delhi on July 27. It is believed that in the same meeting, the board may apprise the members about the security concerns around Ahmedabad and finalize a new date for the match.

There will be massive cancellation of tickets and rooms

Reports from Ahmedabad said that most of the hotels are already booked till mid-October. Even homestays have been booked. Air fares are also expected to increase. If the India-Pakistan match is shifted to another day, there will be massive cancellation of tickets and rooms.