PCB's demand for ODI WC quashed by ICC, India will play Pakistan at Narendra Modi Stadium

The wait has finally come to an end as the ICC (International Cricket Council) has officially released the schedule of the upcoming ODI World Cup which is to be hosted by India later this year. The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match will be played on October 15, 2023, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

3 things you need to know

• The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 will begin from October 5, 2023
• New Zealand and England will play the inaugural match of the tournament 
• Ahmedabad will host the opening and final match of the Cricket World Cup 2023

ICC rejects PCB's request of swapping venues

The Pakistan Cricket Board had made a request to the ICC that they don't want to play against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad due to security issues. As per the sources a few days back, the then PCB chief Najam Sethi had written a letter to ICC chairman Greg Barclay, in which he wrote that the Pakistan cricket team won't play against India at the world's largest cricket stadium due to security reasons unless the match is not a knockout match. 

READ | Full ODI World Cup schedule announced, ICC reveals date of India vs Pakistan clash

But now, As per the latest ICC Cricket World Cup schedule, India vs Pakistan match will be played at Narendra Modi stadium, Ahmedabad on 15th October. Ahmedabad will also host an all-important finale on 19th November.

Proud moment for India! Hosting the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup for the third time is an incredible honor. With 12 cities as the backdrop, we'll showcase our rich diversity and world-class cricketing infrastructure. Get ready for an unforgettable tournament! #CWC2023 @ICC @BCCI pic.twitter.com/h6n69htSHX

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) June 27, 2023

Afghanistan to spin a web against Pakistan in Chennai?

Apart from the request to change the venue for the match against India, Pakistan had also requested ICC to swap the venues of the match against Afghanistan and Australia. In the proposed schedule, sent to all the participating nations, Pakistan was supposed to play against Afghanistan at the M. A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and against Australia at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. 

The reason behind the request was that the spin threat that the Afghan team possesses. Afghanistan has a lot of quality spinners like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-ur Rahman etc, who can get a lot of benefit from the Chepauk surface whereas the surface in Bengaluru is more effective for the batsmen. The men in green wanted to walk in as favorites in both games.