The historic match between the two surrounding teams is scheduled to take place on October 15 according to the original plan.
On October 15, Team India is slated to play host to the prestigious ODI World Cup against Pakistan. Even though the International Cricket Council (ICC) already finalised the schedule and made it available to the public last month, one of the most famous matches in the competition this year may have its date drastically changed. Indian Express said that since October 15 is the first day of ‘Navratri,’ a holiday celebrated with nightly Garba dance, particularly in the state of Gujarat, the match between India and Pakistan may be moved.
The article claims that because to security concerns, agencies have asked the BCCI to reschedule the match. We are considering our alternatives, and a decision will be made soon. We’ve been informed by the security services that a high-profile match like India vs. Pakistan, for which thousands of fans are scheduled to travel to Ahmedabad, should be avoided because they’ll be exhausted from Navratri,”
“I believe it will be better for everyone involved if we get together once more to share notes and go through any issues that need to be discussed and resolved. Your attendance at a meeting of the World Cup hosting associations is therefore hereby required, the letter stated.
The World Cup final, which will be played on November 19, as well as four group games, will all be played at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
Many fans have already made travel arrangements for the dates surrounding the India-Pakistan match, and reports from the local media have suggested that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have also contacted Ahmedabad hospitals about the availability of beds before and after the night game. If the game is indeed postponed, it could prove to be a major logistical nightmare.
The rescheduling will therefore probably result in widespread cancellations of hotel reservations. Strangely, with just over two months until the tournament’s opening match (also set for Ahmedabad between England and New Zealand), there has been no update on the sale of tickets, further aggravating supporters. With the potential that the largest game in the group stage could be moved, BCCI should be ready for fan backlash on social media.
According to the Indian Express article, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has summoned representatives from all hosting grounds to convene in New Delhi on July 27 (Thursday) for a meeting at which a decision regarding the India-Pakistan match may be made.
