- Thursday, February 27, 2025
The cricketing arch-rivals were originally set to lock horns at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in Gujarat on October 15.
By: Shubham Ghosh
THE date of the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in the western state of Gujarat is likely to be changed. The high-profile fixture has originally been slated for October 15, the day when the nine-day Navratri festival also kicks off. Considering the fact that Navratri festivals are celebrated on a grand scale in the western state with several thousands of people participating, security agencies expressed concerns over the logistical issues.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is thus reportedly looking to finalise a new date despite the fact that tickets for the big clash have already been sold out.
“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 travelling fans are expected to reach Ahmedabad, should be avoided since they will be stretched because of Navratri,” a top BCCI official was quoted as saying by The Indian Express on the condition of anonymity.
News agency PTI reported that the match is likely to be held a day ago, i.e., October 14. NDTV reported that a request from the BCCI to the International Cricket Council over the change in schedule has already been sent.
The PTI report added that the game will still be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium but the fans would require to alter their travel plans.
It has been reported recently that cricket fans were also booking hospital rooms in Ahmedabad after hotel fares shot through the roof because of the marquee clash.
India kick off their campaign against Australia in Chennai on October 8 while Pakistan play the Netherlands in their first game on October 6 in Hyderabad.
Advancing the India-Pakistan game by a day would mean Babar Azam’s side would get a day less to prepare before the India game. They have a match against Sri Lanka on October 12 while India play Afghanistan in Delhi on October 11.
It was also reported that BCCI secretary Jay Shah has asked associations hosting World Cup matches to attend a meeting in New Delhi on Thursday (21). In the meeting, the Indian board will discuss concerns with other ones on issues related to the tournament which will be held between October 5 and November 19.
“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,” the letter reportedly read.
India and Pakistan have played two World Cup matches on Indian soil before — in 1996 and 2011 — and on both occasions, the hosts emerged victorious.
