The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to reveal the schedule for the much-anticipated ICC ODI World Cup 2023 on June 27, exactly 100 days before the tournament begins. Reports suggest that the announcement will take place in Mumbai at 11:30 am, providing a comprehensive outline of the event. A media invite circulating on social media confirms that the occasion will be held at Astor Ballroom, St. Regis, Lower Parel in Mumbai.
Earlier in June, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly shared a draft schedule with the participating nations, detailing the proposed fixtures and venues for the tournament.
According to the draft schedule, the opening match is scheduled for October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, featuring reigning champions England against runners-up New Zealand. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Indian team is set to kick off their campaign against Australia in Chennai on October 8, followed by a match against Afghanistan in Delhi on October 11.
A highly anticipated clash between India and arch-rivals Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, is planned for October 15 in Ahmedabad. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to give its consent for the proposed draft schedule, causing uncertainty around this marquee match.
The knockout matches are expected to be held on November 15 and 16, culminating in the final on November 19, which is set to take place in Ahmedabad.
Recent reports indicate that the PCB expressed a desire to change the venues for some of Pakistan’s matches, specifically those against Afghanistan and Australia scheduled in Chennai and Bengaluru, respectively. However, both the ICC and BCCI have rejected the request, stating that there were no compelling reasons to alter the existing venue allocations.