The India-Pakistan World Cup game set for October 15 in Ahmedabad is probably going to be delayed.
Security agencies, it is learned, have asked the BCCI to modify the schedule because the International Cricket Council (ICC) scheduled the tournament’s most anticipated game on the first day of Navratri, a holiday celebrated with widespread participation at garba evenings throughout Gujarat.
Fans who have already made travel arrangements for the game, whose tickets sell out in a matter of hours, would face a logistical nightmare if the date is changed, resulting in record-breaking TRPs for broadcasters.
“A decision will be made soon. We are considering our possibilities. A top BCCI official who wished to remain anonymous told The Indian Express that the security agencies had advised against holding a high-profile match like India vs. Pakistan because the crowds would be stretched thin due to Navratri. Thousands of travelling fans are expected to arrive in Ahmedabad for the game.
The roughly 1 lakh-seat Narendra Modi Stadium received four major matches when the ICC released the World Cup schedule late last month: the tournament’s opening match between New Zealand and England, India vs. Pakistan, England vs. Australia, and the championship. The competition will take place in ten cities, with Mumbai and Kolkata hosting the semifinals.
According to reports from Ahmedabad, all homestay choices have been used up and most hotels are already overbooked for mid-October. Additionally, a rise in airfare is anticipated. In the event that a new date for the India-Pakistan game is revealed, massive cancellation and crazed booking are likely to occur.
“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. As a result, you are hereby invited to participate in a meeting of the World Cup hosting associations, according to the letter that was delivered to all state associations.
