World Cup 2023 Schedule deadlock is over. With Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) agreeing to venues, the schedule is out. ENG vs NZ will mark the beginning of WC 2023 which will also be a repeat of 2019 final. Hosts India will begin their campaign against Australia in Chennai. PCB objected to India vs Pakistan in Ahmedabad as well as matches against Australia and Afghanistan in Bengaluru and Chennai.
“The fervour and passion for cricket in India is unique. I am sure fans both here and abroad would be looking forward to the tournament’s return to India for the first time since 2011, when our team became the first to lift the trophy on home soil,” BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said.
Also Read: ICC sets August 29 as World Cup 2023 squad submission deadline
India vs Pakistan in Ahmedabad
Despite objections from Pakistan, the blockbuster IND vs PAK match will go ahead in Ahmedabad. Pakistan requested the match to be shifted to either Chennai or Bengaluru or Kolkata. The reason PCB cited was political.
However, considering how important the match is for the ICC, it will be played at the venue. Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad can host a crowd of 1,30,000. It is expected to be a sell-out and the BCCI or the ICC does not want to change the venue.
“We are delighted to release the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 schedule which is always a huge occasion ahead of any global event,” ICC Chief Executive, Geoff Allardice said.
Last week, Pakistan said the visit to the WC will be subject to government approval. However, the internal talks are that Pakistan will travel to India for the WC.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah besides top ICC officials and celebrities will be invited to the clash. BCCI will also invite Pakistan PM and the PCB chief. However, whether they attend the match is up to them. Narendra Modi Stadium is currently undergoing renovations for the mega clash.
Narendra Modi Stadium will also host the opening clash and the final. The tournament will begin on October 5 with the final on November 19.
World Cup 2023 Venues:
- Ahmedabad: Narendra Modi Stadium
- Bengaluru: M Chinnaswamy Stadium
- Chennai: MA Chidambaram Stadium
- Delhi: Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium
- Dharamsala: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium
- Guwahati: Assam Cricket Association Stadium
- Hyderabad: Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Uppal
- Kolkata: Eden Gardens
- Mumbai: Wankhede Stadium (at least one semi-final)
- Rajkot: Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium
- Thiruvananthapuram
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