Two of Pakistan’s matches in the upcoming Cricket World Cup 2023 are likely to be rescheduled, according to reports from sources. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) intends to inform the International Cricket Council (ICC) about its position on the matter after internal discussions.
The match against the Netherlands, initially set for October 6, might be moved to October 5 or another date during the World Cup. Similarly, the highly anticipated India-Pakistan game, initially scheduled for October 15, is now expected to be played a day earlier on October 14.
The decision to reschedule the India-Pakistan match comes as it falls on the first day of Navratri, a festival celebrated with significant participation in Gujarat. Security agencies have advised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to adjust the itinerary accordingly.
It is important to note that the tournament will feature 10 teams competing for the title across 10 venues from October 5 to November 19, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosting the opening and final matches.
Day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST), while all other matches will be day-night fixtures commencing at 01:30 pm (PST).
If Pakistan qualifies for the semi-finals, they will play in Kolkata. Similarly, if India qualifies for the semi-finals and does not face Pakistan, they will play in Mumbai. However, if India faces Pakistan in the semi-finals, the match will take place in Kolkata.
The Cricket World Cup will follow 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 semi-finals, which are scheduled to be held in Mumbai on November 15 and in Kolkata on November 16. Both the semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.
Below is Pakistan’s schedule in the World Cup:
– October 6: vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
– October 12: vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
– October 15: vs India in Ahmedabad
– October 20: vs Australia in Bengaluru
– October 23: vs Afghanistan in Chennai
– October 27: vs South Africa in Chennai
– October 31: vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
– November 4: vs New Zealand in Bengaluru (Day match)
– November 12: vs England in Kolkata
