ODI World Cup schedule may undergo another change as Cricket Association of Bengal requests to reschedule ENG vs PAK match

England vs Pakistan (Source: Twitter)

The Cricket Governing Body and the Indian Cricket Board unveiled the much-awaited schedule for the 2023 ODI World Cup a month ago. However, board secretary Jay Shah confirmed last week that there would be some revisions to the schedule after concerns were raised by several full member nations. It has been learned that requests have been received to change two or three dates in the schedule.

The blockbuster India vs Pakistan clash was one of the fixtures that were reported to be changed since the original date of October 15 was the first day of Navaratri. The festival will be widely celebrated across the host state, Ahmedabad, and could face a challenge in the deployment of security. However, Shah dismissed all claims of security issues, saying a change was being considered due to logistical challenges.  There are reports that the match may be moved to October 14, but no official announcement has been made yet.

Meanwhile, another change in the World Cup schedule could be the match between Pakistan and England at Eden Gardens. According to a PTI report, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has asked the ICC recce team to reschedule the match on November 12 as the game coincides with Kali Puja - the second biggest festival in West Bengal.

Kolkata Police raises concerns about security arrangements

As thousands of local clubs in Kolkata organise events during Kali Puja, a huge police force will be deployed across the city to ensure a smooth celebration of the festival. Hence, it will be difficult to deploy another set of police at the stadium and some senior members of CAB revealed to PTI that the Kolkata Police raised the security issue.

"Kolkata Police has cited concerns to provide security for the match slated on Diwali. We have informed the Cricket Governing Body and the Indian Cricket Body to reschedule it and if it does not happen we would inform this to the chief minister," a senior CAB office-bearer said.

Meanwhile, CAB president Snehashish Ganguly denied that the association had sent any request to the Cricket Governing Body to change the schedule.

"We have not yet got anything officially from the Kolkata Police. Unless we get something officially, we can't inform the Cricket Governing Body. Security issue is being taken care of by the Kolkata Police. That is not our look-out. As I said, we have not got anything officially, if we get anything we will inform the governing body," Snehasish, elder brother of former Indian Cricket Board president Sourav Ganguly, said.