While BCCI has announced the Cricket World Cup 2023 matches schedule earlier this year, there is a likelihood that the most awaited clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan scheduled for October 15th might be rescheduled. Security agencies will be already overstretched due to 15th of October being the First Day of Navratri, a major festival in Gujarat with night-long Garba dances and festivities. In view of the lakhs of people travelling to Ahmedabad to witness the highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan at Narendra Modi Stadium on 15th October, security agencies have advised BCCI to reschedule the match.
According to sources, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has asked members representing all the venues which are hosting the world cup matches for a meeting on July 27th in New Delhi to discuss the issues which need discussion and decision. The decision regarding rescheduling the October 15th India-Pakistan match will also be taken in this meeting. Sources further stated that while it is not an easy task to reschedule the match, given the fact there are so many things involved, especially logistics, in organising and conducting a match at a venue, but if the security concerns require it, we will reschedule if such a situation presents itself.
Ahmedabad is already facing a short supply of hotels and homestays accommodation around mid-October and airfares are also expected to surge. In the event of a rescheduling of the match, it will result in frenzied mass cancellations and re-bookings by the fans to witness the adrenaline-pumping clash of the two leading cricketing nations of the sub-continent. Moving the much-anticipated match from a popular weekend slot, for which fans have already planned months in advance, might also lead to fans' outrage on social media directed at BCCI.
