The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed to the proposed changes in the schedule for the World Cup 2023, put forward by the International Cricket Council (ICC). While the match venues will remain unchanged, the dates have been modified to accommodate certain considerations. The ICC is expected to release the updated schedule soon.
According to reports in the Indian media, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was advised to alter the itinerary due to Navratri, a significant festival celebrated in Gujarat. This festival falls on the same day as the highly anticipated Pakistan vs. India match. In light of this, the changes were suggested to ensure that the match doesn’t clash with the religious observances of fans in Gujarat.
The upcoming Cricket World Cup is set to witness ten teams battling it out in a round-robin format, with a total of 45 matches to be played. The top four teams will then qualify for the semi-finals, which are scheduled to take place in Mumbai and Kolkata.
The revised schedule for the Pakistan cricket team’s matches in the World Cup is as follows:
- October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
- October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
- October 14 – 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 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
- November 12 – vs England in Kolkata
The participation of the Pakistan cricket team in the World Cup held in India is still subject to discussion and approval by a panel formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The panel’s meeting will be chaired by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and it will analyze various factors before making its recommendations to the prime minister. Ultimately, the prime minister will make the final decision regarding Pakistan’s participation in the prestigious event.
Read more: When will ICC T20 World Cup 2024 start?
With the World Cup inching closer, cricket fans from around the world eagerly await the thrilling matches that will showcase the talent and sportsmanship of the participating teams. The changes in the schedule aim to ensure a smooth and enjoyable tournament for both players and spectators alike.
