ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially accepted the amendments proposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to the World Cup 2023 schedule. The changes were confirmed after the ICC reached out to Pakistan, requesting alterations to the original schedule. The PCB, in response, agreed to the proposed modifications, which primarily involve shifting the match dates while keeping the venues unchanged. The updated schedule has been released and is as follows:
October 6: Pakistan vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
October 10: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
October 14: 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 4: Pakistan vs New Zealand in Bengaluru (Day match)
November 12: Pakistan vs England in Kolkata
The decision to revise the schedule came after reports from the Indian media indicated that security agencies advised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to alter the itinerary due to the festival of Navratri in Gujarat. Navratri falls on the 15th of October, which initially clashed with the highly anticipated Pakistan vs India match in Ahmedabad.
World Cup 2023 Fixture
The tournament, featuring ten teams competing for the elusive title, will take place from October 5 to November 19. Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium will host both the opening match and the final match. Day fixtures will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST), while all other matches will be day-night fixtures beginning at 01:30 pm (PST).
The World Cup will employ a round-robin format, with all teams playing against each other in a total of 45 league matches. The top four teams will qualify for the semifinals, scheduled to be held in Mumbai on November 15 and in Kolkata on November 16. To account for any unforeseen circumstances, the semifinals and the final will have reserve days.
A panel convened by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup in India will hold its inaugural meeting on Thursday. The high-level meeting, chaired by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, will also include PCB Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf. The panel will discuss Pakistan’s participation in the event and review the venue for the crucial Pakistan vs India clash, which is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad.
The panel will present its recommendations to the Prime Minister, who will make the final decision regarding the country’s participation in the mega event.
