Cricket World Cup 2023: Pakistan sends note to ICC seeking change of venue as India wants to announce schedule on this date

The Pakistan cricket team is currently the biggest hurdle due to which the announcement of the schedule of the ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 is delayed, which is scheduled to begin on October 5 in India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had already submitted the draft schedule to the ICC more than a week ago, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has raised several objections over the allotted venues for its matches.

According to the ESPNcricinfo website, the PCB has sent a note to the ICC, seeking a swap of venues for the matches against Australia on October 20 in Bengaluru and Afghanistan on October 23 in Chennai. However, the BCCI is planning to announce the schedule of the World Cup 2023 on June 27, which will be 100 days after the start of the tournament on October 25.

“Australia in Bengaluru and Afghanistan in Chennai are two that we should look to replace as much as possible,” the PCB’s internal note said.

“Ideally, we can convert these. Australia in Chennai and Afghanistan in Bengaluru will make us favorites in both the matches.”

Pakistan, which was due to face Afghanistan in one of the warm-up matches, has also requested the ICC whether they can play one of South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia instead.

Apart from these two matches, Pakistan also wants the India vs Pakistan match on October 15 to be shifted from the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. “India in Ahmedabad will be to their advantage, but I doubt that considering what the venue means for the BCCI and what this match means for the World Cup,” ESPNcricinfo website quoted the PCB as saying. That’s about to change.”

The PCB’s internal note also cited concerns about the two matches against Bangladesh in Kolkata on October 31 and the last match of the league stage against defending champions England on November 12. It also presented alternate venues that the team would be more comfortable playing.

Looking at the total numbers, Lucknow would also be a good ground for us. Against most teams, Delhi will be good for us as well. If there is a third change, we can get the England match done in Lucknow or Chennai.

The schedule of the World Cup 2023 is likely to be announced on June 27. (ESPN Cricinfo) pic.twitter.com/aqDLUStlrj– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 20, 2023

October 6: Pakistan vs Qualifier in Hyderabad

October 12: Pakistan vs Qualifier in Hyderabad

October 15: Pakistan vs India in Ahmedabad

October 20: Pakistan vs Australia in Bengaluru

October 23: Pakistan vs Afghanistan in Chennai

October 27: Pakistan vs South Africa in Chennai

October 31: Pakistan vs Bangladesh in Kolkata

November 5: Pakistan vs New Zealand in Bengaluru

November 12: Pakistan vs England in Kolkata