Finally, the decision regarding venue swaps in ODI World Cup 2023 has been made by the World Governing Council. The much anticipated IND vs PAK fixture will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium on 15th October. The two biggies of World Cricket will lock horns with each other at the Narendra Modi Stadium only as ICC & BCCI rejected their request for a venue swap in the ODI World Cup 2023. The marquee event will be played as per the initial draft schedule.
ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan fixtures to proceed as per the draft schedule
The apex cricketing bodies of both nations are standing on two different roads when Asia Cup 2023 & World Cup 2023 are concerned. With the ongoing conflict about the Asia Cup 2023, the conflict now shifted to ICC World Cup 2023 as well. PCB has made it clear that they don’t want to play fixtures at the Narendra Modi Stadium due to safety concerns. Their demand remained the same when the ICC released the World Cup 2023 Draft schedule a couple of weeks back as Chennai & Bengaluru came into consideration. PCB then demanded the BCCI & ICC to change these two venues as they are not comfortable playing Afghanistan at spin-friendly Chennai’s pitch. They further said that they are also not comfortable facing Australia & batter-friendly Bengaluru pitch. So they demanded to change three venues for their India, Afghanistan & Australia fixtures.
But finally, BCCI & ICC have their say on the matter. They have rejected PCB’s plea for a venue change & the draft schedule will be released without any change. This means that Rohit Sharma & CO will face Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium on 15th October at the Narendra Modi Stadium in a much-anticipated clash. While Afghanistan & Australia will face Pakistan at the decided venues with no acceptance of venue change.
PCB’s Hybrid Model for Asia Cup 2023 Gets Approval
Finally, PCB’s Hybrid Model for Asia Cup 2023 was approved by the ACC. This means the Asia Cup 2023 will be co-hosted by Pakistan & Sri Lanka. Initially, four-five fixtures will be played in Pakistan while the rest of the fixtures will be played in Sri Lanka. India vs Pakistan fixtures also will be held in Sri Lanka. The decision provided relief to PCB who were keen on retaining the hosting rights for Asia Cup 2023. The high-octane Asia Cup 2023 is all set to be played in the August-September window.
