The much-awaited clash of the 2023 ODI World Cup India vs Pakistan is likely to be rescheduled as the original date October 15 marks the first day of Navratri. Due to security concerns, the Indian Cricket Board has been asked to revise the itinerary as the significant festival is celebrated with Garba nights across Gujarat, the host city of the blockbuster clash.
Many fans have already planned their travel according to the original date and have made hotel bookings at expensive rates. There are also reports that some even booked hospital beds as hotel prices soared in Ahmedabad in light of the high-profile clash. If the game is rescheduled, it could turn into a nightmare for thousands of fans.
"We are mulling the options that we have and a decision will be taken soon. We have been told by the security agencies that a high-profile game like India vs Pakistan, for which thousands of travelling fans are expected to reach Ahmedabad, should be avoided since they will be stretched because of Navratri,” a senior Indian Cricket Board official told The Indian Express.
Jay Shah invited World Cup hosting associations to a meeting
The reports also stated that the Indian Cricket Board Secretary Jay Shah invited the associations hosting World Cup matches to a meeting in New Delhi on July 27. Security concerns around Ahmedabad may be brought to the notice of the board members and a new date for the match may be finalised.
“I feel it will be in the best interest of all concerned that we meet again to exchange notes and take stock of any issue which needs discussion and decision. Accordingly, you are hereby requested to attend a meeting of the World Cup hosting associations,” Shah sent a letter to all state associations states.
The Narendra Modi Stadium will host a total of five matches, including the tournament opener between defending champions England and New Zealand on October 5.
Here's how fans reacted to the reports of IND vs PAK ODI World Cup clash might be rescheduled:
Fans who booked everything for a match #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/8L2rQ01ObR
— djay (@djaywalebabu) July 26, 2023
What about Hospital Bookings now?😂
— Manna (@Bokya_bhau) July 26, 2023
Hotel managers " wah double kamai ka mauka 🤤" pic.twitter.com/E00LkHT50i
— Desi Bhayo (@desi_bhayo88) July 26, 2023
2 min silence for those who’ve booked BLOODY EXPENSIVE hotel rooms already 😬😬😬😬
— AnkySocial (@ankurgupta87) July 26, 2023
Are bookings ki hai logon ne uska kya hoga
— Pooja (@poojaa_khanna) July 26, 2023
Hotel owners of Ahmedabad right now.... pic.twitter.com/SeNsEP1Wyf
— Abhimanyu (@KarmYogi_) July 26, 2023
Dei ! I can’t reschedule my flight Dude
— parikshit surana (@psurana04) July 26, 2023
Sunday se ab daar gayii kya🤣🤣🤣
— KingBobby56💙 (@KBobby56) July 26, 2023
Arre woh hotel aur hospital bed booking karne walo ka kya hoga?
— Mandar Manmohan Sawant (@MandarSawant184) July 26, 2023
Now people who have booked expensive flights will definitely need a hospital bed
— Jitesh (@Chaotic_mind99) July 26, 2023