New Delhi: On October 15, Team India will play their bitter rivals Pakistan at the prestigious ODI World Cup later this year. The International Cricket Council (ICC) may have already finalized the schedule and made it available to the public last month, but one of the most famous matches in the tournament this year may see a significant change in the date.
The first day of 'Navratri', a holiday celebrated with nightly Garba dance, is October 15, according to a report , and as a result, the match between India and Pakistan may be moved. This is especially true in the Gujarati state, where the festival is held.
The report states that agencies have advised the BCCI to reschedule the game due to security concerns. “We are mulling the options that we have and a decision will be taken soon. We have been told by the security agencies that a high-profile game like India vs Pakistan, for which thousands of travelling fans are expected to reach Ahmedabad, should be avoided since they will be stretched because of Navratri.”
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Many fans have already made travel arrangements for the dates surrounding the India-Pakistan match, and reports from local media have suggested that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have also enquired about the availability of beds at Ahmedabad hospitals before and after the night game. If the game is indeed postponed, it could prove to be a huge logistical nightmare.
As a result, if the schedule is changed, there will probably be widespread cancellations of hotel reservations. Strangely, there has been no news on ticket sales with just over two months until the tournament's opening match, which is also set for Ahmedabad and will feature England and New Zealand.
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This frustrates supporters even more. With the potential for the biggest game of the group stage to be postponed, BCCI might as well get ready for fan backlash on social media.
According to a source, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has requested that everyone who is hosting a match get together in New Delhi on July 27 (Thursday) so that a decision can potentially be made regarding the match between India and Pakistan.
“I feel it will be in the best interest of all concerned that we meet again to exchange notes and take stock of any issue which needs discussion and decision. Accordingly, you are hereby requested to attend a meeting of the World Cup hosting associations,” the letter read.
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.
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