Reports: Narendra Modi Stadium likely to host India versus Pakistan high-voltage ODI World Cup clash

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is reportedly the hot favourite to host the marquee clash between India and Pakistan in the upcoming ODI World Cup. Reports suggest that since the stadium can accommodate over one lakh spectators, BCCI is likely to host the high-profile match there, which will also be the first India versus Pakistan match on Indian soil in seven long years.

Meanwhile, it is expected that BCCI will be announcing the schedule once the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League ends. Ahead of that, Nagpur, Bengaluru, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Rajkot, Indore, Bengaluru and Dharamshala have been short-listed as the possible venues, even for practice matches.

On the other hand, the opening match of the competition is likely to be played on October 5 while the city of Ahmedabad may host its first World Cup final.

As per the Indian Express, the Babar Azam-led side may end up playing most of its matches at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru due to security reasons. Eden Gardens was one of the favourite destinations as well but as things stand, Kolkata and Guwahati are likely to host the majority of matches featuring Bangladesh, since it will be easier for the travelling fans from the neighbouring country.

Team management prefers spin-friendly tracks against Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa

Notably, ahead of finalising the schedule, some of the BCCI officials have reportedly spoken with the Indian team management and the latter asked to allot its matches against Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa to venues that generally help spinners. It is believed that the Rohit Sharma-led side wants to use the home advantage in order to help India win their third ODI World Cup.

“The Indian team has performed well on slow tracks in the past few years at home. So the team management had requested that whenever the schedule is being prepared the Indian team should face top teams on slow pitches. They wanted to have a home advantage,” a source in the BCCI told the Indian Express.

Meanwhile, it is also believed that Chennai is currently the front-runner to host India versus Australia while five other cities will be hosting various other matches of India.