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The much-anticipated schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023 is set to be unveiled on Tuesday, June 27, in Mumbai, according to an official announcement by the International Cricket Council (ICC). With less than four months remaining until the tournament kicks off in India, fans and teams have been eagerly awaiting the venues and fixtures to be confirmed. Interestingly, the schedule for the past two World Cups was announced more than a year in advance, making this year’s delay somewhat unusual.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo earlier this year, the tournament is expected to commence in October and conclude in November. The delayed approval of the draft fixture list by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was cited as one of the reasons behind the schedule’s postponement. Former chairman of the PCB Management Committee, Najam Sethi, emphasized that it is the respective governments who ultimately decide on matters concerning cricket matches, just as it is Pakistan’s government that decides when they visit India to play.
In addition to the scheduling concerns, the PCB had also made a request to the ICC for a venue change regarding their matches against Australia and Afghanistan during the World Cup. Pakistan expressed their desire to swap the venues for these matches, as it would significantly enhance their chances of victory. The provisional schedule currently places them against Australia in Bengaluru and Afghanistan in Chennai.
Traditionally, ICC event venues are only altered when there are legitimate security threats. The PCB’s internal note outlined their aspiration to switch the venues, suggesting that having Australia play in Chennai and Afghanistan in Bengaluru would position Pakistan as clear favorites in both matches.
As fans eagerly await the official schedule announcement, the tentative World Cup itinerary for Pakistan includes matches against a qualifier team on October 6 and October 12 in Hyderabad, a highly anticipated clash against India on October 15 in Ahmedabad, and subsequent matches against Australia, Afghanistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and England.
The upcoming schedule unveiling is set to bring much-needed clarity and excitement for cricket enthusiasts worldwide, as the countdown to the ICC World Cup 2023 draws closer with each passing day.
Pakistan’s tentative World Cup schedule
October 6 – vs Qualifier in Hyderabad
October 12 – vs Qualifier in Hyderabad
October 15 – vs India in Ahmedabad
October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
November 5 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru
November 12 – vs England in Kolkata
Also, see:
World Cup 2023 Qualifier Complete Schedule
