All the controversies, mismanagements, conflicts, on venues aside, the International Cricket Council (ICC), is now all set to reveal the dates and venues of World Cup 2023.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) previous management committee Chairman Najam Sethi proposed three venues for the India vs Pakistan match including Chennai, Indore and Kolkata while stating that the team will not play in Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium because of security reasons.
Najam Sethi, also stated that if Asia Cup will be held under Hybrid Model than his Board will propose the same Hybrid Model for the World Cup, with Pakistan playing its matches in Colombo or Dhaka.
However, Zaka Ashraf, most likely the new chairman of PCB, bluntly dismissed the policies of Najam Sethi, and is currently tight lipped on the participation of Pakistan in the World Cup.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto believes that cricket should be separated from politics, expressing disappointment on India’s policy to not play in Pakistan. However he also said but we are evaluating Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup.
On June 27, ICC will reveal the schedule for the upcoming World Cup to be held in India. This announcement comes just four months before the tournament is set to begin, which is a shorter timeframe compared to previous World Cups that had their schedules announced over a year in advance.
According to media reports, the tournament is expected to commence in October and conclude in November. However, the specific venues and fixtures have yet to be confirmed. One of the reasons behind the delay in scheduling was PCB’s delayed approval of the draft fixture list.
Najam Sethi had stated that the approval or disapproval of the World Cup schedule lies with the government, similar to how the Indian government decides when their team travels to play.
The PCB had also requested the ICC to change the venues of their matches against Australia and Afghanistan in an effort to gain an advantage. They proposed swapping the locations, suggesting that playing Australia in Chennai and Afghanistan in Bengaluru would make Pakistan the favorites in both matches.
“Australia in Bengaluru and Afghanistan in Chennai are the two which we should look to get changed as much as possible,” as per the reports we found in media.
“Ideally, we can switch these around. Australia in Chennai and Afghanistan in Bengaluru would make us obvious favorites in both matches.” the note further said.
Normally, venue changes during ICC events occur only when there is a security threat. However, it remains to be seen if the ICC will accommodate their request.
Overall, the ICC’s announcement of the World Cup schedule in India set to take place in a few months, is eagerly anticipated. The final details of the tournament, including venues and fixtures, will be unveiled soon.
Pakistan’s tentative World Cup schedule
October 6 – vs Qualifier in Hyderabad
October 12 – vs Qualifier in Hyderabad
October 15 – vs India in Ahmedabad
October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
November 5 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru
November 12 – vs England in Kolkata
