July 28, 2023
In a significant development ahead of the much-anticipated World Cup 2023, BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed that the tournament’s schedule might undergo alterations following objections raised by three ICC full member nations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently considering these requests while assuring that venue locations will remain unchanged.
One of the primary concerns prompting a potential schedule change is the marquee clash between India and Pakistan, scheduled for October 15, coinciding with the Navaratri festival, widely celebrated in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, where the match is set to take place. While the BCCI has categorically dismissed security concerns as the reason for a possible date change, accommodating the match on October 14 has been proposed to prevent logistical inconveniences for commercial partners, vendors, and cricket fans who may have already pre-booked hotels and flights.
Although no alternate dates have been finalized yet, the BCCI is working diligently to address the concerns while minimizing disruptions to the tournament’s overall schedule. Efforts are underway to ensure that fans are not inconvenienced, with the board planning to set up multiple ticket-collection points at venues in advance to avoid long queues during match days.
Moreover, the BCCI has affirmed that physical ticketing will be retained for the upcoming World Cup. The board remains uncertain about the viability of implementing an e-ticketing system in high-capacity stadiums across India, leading them to opt for traditional physical ticketing methods.
The possible changes in the schedule may also include a reduction in the interval between certain matches to streamline the event. A clearer picture of the extent of alterations required for the 46-day tournament will be available in the next 3-4 days.
Meanwhile, Indian women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur has found herself in the spotlight after her poor conduct during a recent Bangladesh ODI match. BCCI president Roger Binny and National Cricket Academy head VVS Laxman are set to question her about the incident. The board will decide whether further action is necessary or if a reprimand will suffice. It should be noted that the BCCI does not intend to contest the ICC’s decision to suspend Kaur for two matches due to four demerit points against her name, as ruled by the match referee.
With the World Cup 2023 being a highly anticipated sporting event, fans and stakeholders alike await the finalization of the revised schedule. The BCCI is committed to addressing the concerns raised by member nations while ensuring that the tournament remains a grand spectacle of cricketing excellence. More updates and announcements are expected to be revealed in the coming days as the tournament draws near.
