The ICC World Cup 2023 is round the corner and all the sides are anticipated to kickstart their preparations to battle it out for supremacy. Defending champions England will likely lock horns against New Zealand in the inaugural fixture of the ODI World Cup 2023 on October 5. The final of the event will be played on November 19.
India is hosting the prestigious championship after a span of 12 years. Notably, the Board of Cricket Control for India (BCCI) has not yet announced the schedule of the marquee event. The BCCI is in continuous deliberations with the International Cricket Council (ICC) in order to finalize the dates and venues of the championship.
The uncertainty that is looming over the announcement of the World Cup schedule is severely impacting the preparations of the teams and the potential travel plans of the cricketing fans. The BCCI has ensured that the schedule will be soon announced in a gala lunch event that will be organized by the apex body.
An array of reasons responsible for the delay in the announcement of the World Cup 2023 Schedule
Multiple reasons are accredited to the delay in announcing the schedule. Eminent cricketers and delegates are currently occupied with the Indian Premier League (IPL). The heavyweight Australian side is gearing up for the World Test Championship final against India whereas the mighty England side is preparing for their busy summer with the Ashes.
Previously, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also objected to playing any matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This was a potential venue for the blockbuster clash against the arch-rivals India. PCB’s disagreement has also hindered the finalizing of the World Cup schedule.
Eight teams have earned direct qualification for the World Cup 2023. These are India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Afghanistan. Ten other teams will face off in the qualifiers to fill in the final two places for the championship. The 2023 World Cup Qualifiers will take place from June 18 in Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka, West Indies, Ireland, and Zimbabwe are in the race of the favorites to qualify.
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