In a recent announcement, Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla has stated that there will be no additional modifications to the schedule of the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, set to be held in India this October. The BCCI VP’s official statement on Sunday emphasized that the decision had been reached after careful consideration of various stakeholders involved in the event.
Shukla’s statement was prompted by a formal request from the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) urging for changes in the tournament fixtures. This request comes just ten days after the International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled a revised schedule for the World Cup, which had already undergone a series of changes from the original fixture announced in June.
The alterations to the initial schedule included shifting the much-awaited India vs. Pakistan match, as well as other adjustments involving various teams and venues. Notably, one of these modifications relocated a match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Hyderabad from October 10 to 12. This change led to back-to-back matches at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, with New Zealand taking on the Netherlands on October 9.
The HCA’s recent request for another alteration stems from concerns raised by the Hyderabad police regarding the security arrangements for hosting consecutive matches. An HCA official, speaking anonymously to Hindustan Times, remarked that while it’s uncertain whether the schedule will indeed be adjusted, back-to-back matches are not an ideal scenario. The official further revealed ongoing discussions with security agencies to address these concerns, while keeping the BCCI informed about their efforts.
However, Rajeev Shukla categorically dismissed the HCA’s request for further changes to the schedule. He emphasized his role as the person responsible for the Hyderabad venue during the World Cup and assured that any potential issues would be resolved. Shukla emphasized the complexity of altering the World Cup schedule, underscoring that multiple entities, including teams, the ICC, and the BCCI, are intricately involved.
Hyderabad is slated to host three of the 45 league matches in the ICC World Cup 2023. The tournament’s opening game at this venue will feature Pakistan taking on the qualifier Netherlands.
As preparations for the World Cup continue, the announcement by Rajeev Shukla underscores the challenges in accommodating last-minute requests for fixture changes while ensuring the overall success and security of the event.
