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The dates for the highly anticipated India versus Pakistan high-octane encounter at the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 has been revealed as the arch-rivals will be locking horns with each other on October 15 (Sunday).
Going by a Cricbuzz report, the ODI World Cup 2023's opener is likely to be played between New Zealand and England on October 5 which will be staged at the Narender Modi Stadium in Motera. Meanwhile, the final match of the showpiece event is likely to be held on November 19. It has also been learnt that India will be playing their World Cup opener against Australia and it is expected to be played in Chennai.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to reveal the World Cup 2023's schedule soon, most likely after the conclusion of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023's conclusion.
Cricbuzz also reported that Pakistan has nodded to tour India for the marquee event, regardless of the imbroglio regarding Asia Cup 2023. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) hasn't put out any official statement regarding Pakistan's participation in the World Cup in India as fans all around the globe eagerly wait for the schedule of the tournament to be announced.
Going by the tentative schedule, Pakistan team is expected to play their matches in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru. The BCCI has provided venues in the South Zone for the most Pakistan games with Chennai, which has a record of being a peaceful host with a very sporting crowd, getting a few extra games. Apart from Ahmedabad and the three south centres, Kolkata, Delhi, Indore, Dharamsala, Guwahati, Rajkot, Raipur and Mumbai are the designated venues with Mohali and Nagpur missing out from the list. The Wankhede in Mumbai is likely to get a semifinal. Each team will play nine league games which means most centres, if not all, will get an India game each.
10 teams will be battling out with each other for the ultimate title in a span of 48 matches in India. Notably India, England, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh have already qualified for the mega event, with South Africa latest to secure a direct entry.
The last two spots will be filled through a qualifying tournament in June-July in Zimbabwe in which two former champions, West Indies and Sri Lanka, will compete along with the Netherlands, Ireland, Nepal, Oman, Scotland, UAE and host Zimbabwe.
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