The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has expressed concerns to the International Cricket Council (ICC) recce team about the ODI World Cup 2023 match scheduled between Pakistan and England on November 12, 2023, coinciding with Kali Puja. The concerns center around the local security agencies' ability to maintain safety during the event due to the large police deployment required for festival celebrations across the city.
If the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) BCCI and ICC agree to alter the date, it will mark Pakistan's third schedule change in the tournament. Earlier Sports Tak had reported about the rescheduling of the high-voltage India vs Pakistan game to October 14 from 15 in Ahmedabad, and Sri Lanka vs Pakistan game to October 10 in Hyderabad from October 12.
The Ahmedabad Police had previously informed the BCCI that security management would be challenging on October 15, the first day of Navaratri. While the ICC and BCCI had announced the schedule with much fanfare on June 27, the revised schedule is now in disarray and is yet to be published.
Although CAB president Snehasish Ganguly denied making an "official request" for a change in schedule, senior CAB officials have acknowledged that the Kolkata Police have already raised the issue. "Kolkata Police has cited concerns to provide security for the match slated on Diwali. We have informed the ICC and BCCI to reschedule it and if does not happen we would inform this to the chief minister," said a senior CAB office-bearer who was part of the meeting with the ICC and BCCI inspection team.
It's still unclear whether the ICC will agree to another schedule change, reflecting the ongoing challenges of coordinating international cricket matches with local customs and security requirements. Ganguly's response to reporters was cautious, following a meeting with the ICC that lasted over three hours.
The potential rescheduling adds to the anticipation surrounding the World Cup, emphasising the intricate planning required to ensure both the safety of participants and spectators and the smooth running of international sporting events.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Smriti Mandhana creates history, becomes 1st player to do this in Women's Hundred
Ex-Pakistani star batter slams Rohit Sharma with choker jibe, says 'can't deliver in pressure..'
