ODI World Cup 2023: BCCI reject PCB Request for Venue Swap

Posted at: June 22, 2023

ODI World Cup 2023: BCCI reject PCB Request for Venue Swap

The ICC & BCCI has rejected PCB’s plea for a venue sway for a couple of their fixtures in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. Both ICC & BCCI held a meeting on Tuesday, June 20 & officially informed PCB about their take on venue swap. According to the ODI World Cup 2023 drafted schedule, Pakistan will face Afghanistan in Chennai’s MA Chidambaram stadium which is spin friendly & will later face Australia in Bengaluru.

However, after a venue data review by Pakistan analysts, the Pakistan Board expressed their willingness to swap the venues. The pitch in Chennai is spin-friendly & Pakistan is slated to face Afghanistan in Chennai & Australia in Bengaluru. As Chennai’s pitch favors spinners Pakistan has requested ICC to conduct Australia’s fixture in Chennai & Afghanistan’s fixture in Bengaluru respectively. On the other hand, the much-anticipated fixture between India & Pakistan will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. And former PCB Chief, Najam Sethi has expressed his concern over the hosting of the India vs Pakistan fixture at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

As per the reports, both the ICC & BCCI have stated that there is no valid reason for changing the venues. Notably, the selection of venues is the responsibility of hosts & they need ICC’s permission to make any kind of changes to it. They also stated that venue change cannot be considered for random reasons & could be taken into account only if there are security issues.

In World Cup 2016, IND vs PAK venue was shifted due to security concerns

It’s not the first time that a venue change has happened in an ICC event. Back in 2016, the ICC T20 World Cup fixture between India & Pakistan was rescheduled from Dharamsala to Kolkata. The decision was made by the ICC & BCCI during a meeting which was focused on operational matters.

The BCCI & ICC are yet to announce the Official schedule of the marquee event. According to a report in media, the tournament opener of ODI World Cup 2023 will be played between England and New Zealand on October 5, in Ahmedabad.

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Sarah Shaikh

Creative & Passionate Writer, currently writing my heart out for my favorite sports, Cricket. Die-hard Virat fan & an ardent follower of Indian Premier league, I love to write in-depth match reports & feature articles on renowned cricketers. Bagging experience of writing for leading local publications, I have also worked with some top brands helping them in creating a standout social media identity through my engaging content. A cup of tea & a perfect clutter of words is what I am always fond of!