Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the release of the complete schedule for the ODI World Cup 2023, set to be hosted by India from October 5. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to unveil the fixtures, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not finalized the schedule. The tournament is not without controversy, as Pakistan declined to travel to India. Due to the latter’s unwillingness to visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023. Nevertheless, recent reports indicate some updates regarding the World Cup schedule.
According to Dainik Jagran, the opening match will feature New Zealand against the five-time champions, Australia. Pakistan, reluctant to play at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, will have most of their matches in Chennai and Hyderabad. Nonetheless, the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash will indeed occur in Ahmedabad.
The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will host India’s significant matches, including the one against Australia. Meanwhile, Lucknow will be the venue for their clash with England, which will see five matches played. The ICC is expected to release the complete schedule in the coming weeks. Pending confirmation of two teams through the ICC World Cup qualifiers starting on June 18 in Zimbabwe.
India to end their trophy drought on their home soil?
India has previously hosted the ODI World Cup three times, namely in 1987, 1996, and 2011. In those editions, they reached the semi-finals in 1987 and 1996. While emerging as champions in 2011, led by MS Dhoni. It has been more than a decade since India last won an ICC title. Specifically the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Therefore, the upcoming tournament presents an ideal opportunity for the team to break their trophy drought on their home turf.
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