Upcoming ODI World Cup’s Major Schedule Tweaks Announced by ICC

Amidst the frenzy of cricket fans worldwide, significant adjustments have been made to the 2023 ODI World Cup match schedule. Notably, the India-Pakistan game has witnessed a date change, stirring intense interest among followers of the sport.

Overview of Schedule Changes

Nine matches in total have undergone modifications in their dates or kick-off times. The International Cricket Council (ICC) made this confirmation just shy of two months before the grand opening of the tournament.

Here’s a breakdown of the schedule shifts:

“If security was an issue then why would the match go there [to Ahmedabad] – 14-15 is not the problem,” – Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary

Teams and Their Adjusted Schedules

Pakistan, Bangladesh, and England seem to be the most impacted teams with these changes. Here’s a detailed look:

• Pakistan: Three of their matches have been rescheduled. The significant shift was the game against Sri Lanka, which was moved two days earlier to provide ample rest before their highly anticipated match against India.
• Bangladesh and England: Both teams have witnessed alterations in two of their games. Moreover, their match on October 10, initially planned as a day-night fixture, has been changed to a day game.

Reasons Behind the Rescheduling

Multiple factors were at play:

• Security Concerns in Ahmedabad: The original date for the India vs. Pakistan game, October 15, coincided with the first day of Navaratri, a prominent Hindu festival spanning nine days. It raised questions regarding the ability to provide ample security.
• Logistical Challenges: Several boards voiced concerns over tight schedules, which would be strenuous for players. With some matches having only a two-day gap, it’s challenging for teams to play, travel, and then play again.

“Two or three boards have written in, asking to change based on the logistical challenges. There are some matches where there is only a two-day gap, so it will be difficult to play and then travel next day [and then play again].” – Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary

Other Significant Changes and Announcements

• The Australia vs. South Africa match will now be played a day earlier.
• The double-header, initially scheduled for November 12, has been moved up by a day due to concerns from the Kolkata police about coinciding with the Hindu festival of Kali Puja.
• The World Cup’s starting match will witness defending champions England compete against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on October 5. The grand finale is also set to be in Ahmedabad on November 18, with the semi-finals scheduled for Mumbai and Kolkata on November 15 and 16, respectively.
• For fans looking to experience the action live, the ICC has declared that tickets will be available online from August 25.

Comparison with Previous Tournaments

The scheduling announcements for the World Cup 2023 seemed unusually delayed. The schedule was disclosed just 100 days before the commencement of the event on October 5. In contrast, schedules for the last two tournaments held in Australia and New Zealand (2015) and England and Wales (2019) were released more than a year in advance.

World Cup 2023: The Ticketing Timeline Unveiled

With the recent release of the revised schedule for the 2023 ODI World Cup, fans across the globe are gearing up to secure their seats to witness the cricketing spectacle. Here’s everything you need to know about the ticketing procedure.

Initial Sale Date

The tickets for the mega event, hosted by India, will officially be available for purchase on August 25, merely 41 days before the tournament’s inaugural match on October 5. The decision followed hot on the heels of the announcement of the adjusted World Cup schedule, which saw modifications to nine games, including the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match.

Ticket Release Phases

The ticket release process is meticulously structured in seven distinct phases. To ensure a streamlined experience, tickets for matches excluding India – both for warm-ups and the main event – are slated to be available first on August 25. Following this initial phase, the sales for the matches featuring the Indian team will be spread across six dates.

Detailed Breakdown of Ticket Sale Dates: