• Source:JND
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BCCI (Board of Cricket Control in India), hosts of the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 match might be forced to reschedule the marquee clash between India and Paksitan scheduled to be taking place on October 15. As per reports, security agencies have expressed reservations for holding the match on the same date which clashes with the start of Indian festival Navratri. Hence, BCCI has been advised to tweak the schedule to accomodate the match.

The excitement for the much-awaited clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan among fans could turn into a logistical nightmare if the game is indeed rescheduled.

Also Read: World Cup 2023 Full Schedule, check here

“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, who did not wish to be identified, was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

Also Read: Hotel Searches for October 15 Date in Ahmedabad sees a crazy hike in searches

During the previous month, the ICC revealed the schedule for the upcoming World Cup, with the renowned Narendra Modi Stadium, boasting a capacity of nearly 1 lakh spectators, chosen to host four high-profile matches. These marquee games comprise the tournament opener between New Zealand and England, the highly-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan, the encounter between England and Australia, and the grand finale. The event is set to take place in 10 different cities, with the semifinals scheduled to be held in Mumbai and Kolkata.

As reports from Ahmedabad indicate, most hotels in the area are already fully booked for mid-October, and even homestay options have been exhausted due to the overwhelming demand. Additionally, it is expected that airfares will surge during this period. If a new date is announced for the India-Pakistan game, a frenzy of mass cancellations and frantic bookings is likely to ensue.

On Tuesday night, BCCI secretary Jay Shah sent out invitations to the associations hosting World Cup matches, calling for a meeting in New Delhi on July 27. It is understood that the board plans to discuss security concerns related to Ahmedabad and finalize a new date for the highly-anticipated India-Pakistan match.

“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 sent to all state associations states.