'26/11 never forgive never forget' - Fans perplexed as Pakistan will play in Kolkata rather than Mumbai if they qualify for 2023 World Cup Semi-Final

IND vs PAK 2019 WC (Source: Twitter)

The Cricket Governing Body, on Tuesday, June 27, announced the schedule for the 2023 Men's ODI World Cup. After months of uncertainty, the high-octane clash between India and Pakistan has been confirmed to take place on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The same venue will host the tournament opener between finalists of the previous edition - England and New Zealand - on October 5th.

The two semi-final matches of the 50-over tournament will be played in Mumbai and Kolkata. While Wankhede Stadium will host the semi-final between No. 1 and No. 4 in the points table on November 15, the Eden Gardens in Kolkata will host the second semi-final between No. 2 and No. 3. Both semi-finals will have reserve days in case rain plays spoilsport.

Meanwhile, the governing body confirmed that if Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in Kolkata regardless of their position in the points table. If India qualifies for the knockout stage, they will play at Wankhede if the opponent is not Pakistan. This is believed to be because Pakistan is barred from entering Mumbai as a result of the 2008 terrorist attack.

26/11 will be remembered for the deadly terror attack

On 26 November 2008, Mumbai was the victim of a terrorist attack when 10 members of the Pakistan-based Islamic terrorist group stormed India's largest city and carried out a series of shootings and bomb attacks. According to reports, 165 people were killed, and around 300 were seriously injured.

All sporting ties between India and Pakistan have been suspended as a result of the deadly terror attack, and the disappointment of Pakistan cricket still continues. Pakistani players have been banned from competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by the Indian Cricket Board since the 2009 season. The tensions between the two neighbouring nations also resulted in no bilateral series since 2012-13, and they now only face each other in major-multinational tournaments.

Here's how fans reacted to the Cricket Governing Body's confirmation that Pakistan will play in Kolkata if they qualify for the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup:

First they will win league matches then think about semis

— mahesh Yash (@maheshYash17) June 27, 2023

Yeah last time someone visited Mumbai from Pakistan it was disaster.

— SHUBHAM SINGH (@Singhh_ji) June 27, 2023

Kyu 26/11 ke bad Pakistaniyo ka mumbai jana allowed nhi h kya

— Y SHARMA🇮🇳 (@INDIANSHERSHAH7) June 27, 2023

Nahi jaa rahe bhai semifinal tak itna mat socho

— 🦥💉 (@dtsaae) June 27, 2023

It’s because of 26/11 and that’s fair.

— Gaurav (@wtfgauravvvv) June 27, 2023

Pakistan semis main nhi pahuch payegi.

— Mohan Sharma 🇮🇳 (@MohanSh63073951) June 27, 2023

26/11 never forgive never forget

— Himanshu🇮🇳 (@proudindian7197) June 27, 2023

Means Pakistani are banned from Mumbai because of 26/11.

— VECTOR D (@Vector__D) June 27, 2023

For those wondering why, Pakistan launched a terrorist attack on Mumbai on 26/11...So they are perma banned from entering Mumbai

— Ajinkya Darshane (@ajinkyadarshane) June 27, 2023