Reports: Pakistan's reluctance to play in Ahmedabad delays ODI World Cup 2023 schedule

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 scheduled to take place in India is just four months away. However, the ICC (International Cricket Council) or the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is yet to release the entire schedule of the tournament. The tournament is expected to get started on October 5 but the exact dates and fixtures of the teams are yet to be announced.

The BCCI have already shared a draft schedule with the ICC during the World Test Championship final 2023. According to reports, the delay in officially releasing the schedule is due to Pakistan’s reluctance to play in Ahmedabad against India on October 15.

According to the draft schedule shared by the BCCI, India and Pakistan will be locking horns in the most awaited game of the tournament on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As per a report in ‘The Telegraph’ newspaper, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hasn’t yet cleared Ahmedabad citing security issues.

“Since the tour is dependent on permission from the government, the PCB has forwarded the documents to the ministry concerned which is looking into it. Given the sensitivity of the situation, a call will be taken based on what the government has to say,” a source was quoted as saying in ‘The Telegraph’ newspaper.

“The PCB has been given a time frame to study the draft schedule and is abiding by it before giving its consent. Cricketing matters regarding the World Cup will be reviewed by the Pakistan Board while anything related to security and other issues is being dealt with by the government and other agencies concerned,” the source added.

The PCB reportedly raised the issue during ICC chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice’s visit to Lahore last month. The official schedule of the World Cup was supposed to be released during the WTC Final but the PCB raised objections unless the BCCI agreed to their ‘hybrid model’ for the Asia Cup 2023.

Asia Cup gets a go-ahead with PCB's proposed 'Hybrid' Model

Meanwhile, the official schedule of the Asia Cup 2023 has been confirmed with the tournament set to be hosted by both Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The ‘Men-in-Blue’ will be playing their matches in Sri Lanka. The tournament is set to begin on August 31, with Pakistan hosting four matches in Lahore while Sri Lanka will host nine matches.