As the countdown to the highly anticipated World Cup 2023 continues, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is diligently finalizing the tournament schedule. To ensure everything runs smoothly, a specialized reconnaissance team from the International Cricket Council (ICC) has set out on a crucial mission – visiting the stadiums designated to host the matches.
Comprising experts in security, events, and broadcasting, the ICC team commenced their assessment at the renowned Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Their meticulous evaluation then led them to Ahmedabad, where they intend to visit all 12 venues, including those hosting the warm-up games.
Recently, on July 25, the ICC team graced the Wankhede Stadium and expressed satisfaction with the preparations put in place. Amol Kale, the MCA president, revealed, “They are extremely happy with our planning; the only thing left to address from our side is the ticketing issue. We have called an Apex Council meeting on Monday to decide on pricing, and we will inform the BCCI accordingly.”
Following Mumbai, the team embarked on a tour of three southern grounds – Chepauk in Chennai, Trivandrum stadium (the venue for the warm-up games), and the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The reception at Chepauk was warm, as a Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) official shared, “They seemed satisfied with our facilities. We look forward to hearing from them if they have anything in mind. They will write to us.” However, at the Trivandrum ground, a Kerala Cricket Association member mentioned that the reconnaissance team suggested a few modifications for the corporate boxes and player areas. No significant issues were observed at the Chinnaswamy ground.
Now, the team has arrived at the grand Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the centerpiece of the World Cup events. This remarkable venue is set to host the inaugural match, the final, and the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash. Their assessment at this stadium is currently underway, with the report eagerly awaited.
In the coming days, the team will proceed to the Uppal Stadium in Hyderabad, where the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has been diligently working under the supervision of a Supreme Court-appointed administrator. An HCA official eagerly expressed, “They will be visiting us soon, and we are eager to hear their suggestions.”
Subsequently, the ICC team will continue their tour, visiting stadiums in Delhi, Dharamsala, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Guwahati before concluding their assessment at Pune in a week’s time.
Cricbuzz has learned that the ICC team has been primarily offering valuable advice on operational matters, with particular focus on the requirements within the stadiums. Security measures within the grounds have been paramount, and the ICC has been working hand in hand with the hosts to ensure the best possible Player and Match Official Areas (PMOA) and cater to the needs of the broadcasters.
With the ICC’s expert guidance and meticulous planning, the stage is set for a memorable World Cup tournament that promises to be a cricketing extravaganza like no other. The excitement is building, and fans worldwide eagerly await the grand spectacle that awaits them on the cricketing horizon.
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