Highlights:
- The original date for the India vs. Pakistan game in Ahmedabad was October 15.
- Due to security concerns, BCCI has been asked to reconsider the itinerary.
- Fans can experience logistical difficulties if the game’s date is changed.
The highly anticipated Cricket World Cup 2023 match between India and Pakistan is expected to have a new date during the Navratri festival. The match was initially slated to take place on October 15 in Ahmedabad.
The ICC chose Navratri, a big festival celebrated with garba evenings all throughout Gujarat, as the day for the match. The BCCI has been asked to re-evaluate its itinerary due to security concerns. If the BCCI does decide to alter the schedule, supporters who quickly reserved their tickets for the game and confirmed their travel arrangements face a major logistical issue. Making the most of the opportunity, even Ahmedabad hotels raised their rates in an effort to capitalise on the cricket mania that would envelop the city on and around October 15. However, if the time or location are altered, there may be major turmoil.
Top BCCI official told The Indian Express, “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 meeting will be held in New Delhi on July 27 as per the report that also stated BCCI secretary Jay Shah has written to organisations hosting World Cup matches to invite them to join. The board will decide when and where the Indo-Pak match would take place during the meeting after discussing the issues with other boards.
“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.
If the date of the match is changed, there may be widespread cancellations of hotel and flight reservations.
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