The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 match between Pakistan and India, the first between the two bitter rivals on Indian territory since 2016, has been scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, reported Indian media. 

It has been learned that after the Indian Premier League 2023 (IPL 2023) is over, the BCCI will make the WC schedule official during a gala launch. If all goes according to plan, the 50-over World Cup will begin on October 5.

New Zealand and England will play the WC opener in Ahmedabad, while India will play their first match of ODI WC 2023 against Australia in Chennai.

According to information obtained by Indian Express, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opted to hold the high-stakes India vs Pakistan fixture at the Ahmedabad stadium in anticipation of the significant number of spectators who will be flying to India from foreign countries for this contest. The Narendra Modi Stadium is the biggest cricket stadium in the world, with 100,000 seats. The match is likely to be played on October 15 or 16.Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Dharamsala, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Indore, Rajkot, and Mumbai are also on the shortlist in addition to Ahmedabad for WC. As many as 48 matches in total, including three knockout rounds, will be played throughout the course of the 46-day event.

Only seven of the aforementioned locations will actually host league games in India. If India makes it to the final, Ahmedabad might be the only place where they play two games.

According to information, Pakistan may wind up playing the most of its games in Bengaluru and Chennai for security reasons. Eden Gardens in Kolkata is another potential location. 

The majority of Bangladesh’s games might possibly be held in Kolkata and Guwahati to make travel easier for supporters from the neighbouring nation.

The BCCI intends to end the matches in the southern regions of the country before the first week of November because October and November are the monsoon season.

The Indian Express has learned that, aside from Pakistan, the BCCI also spoke with the management of the Indian squad and asked its recommendations for the venues.

According to insiders, the Indian team requested that matches against Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa be played at stadiums that support spinners. Men in Blue informed the board that it likes slow pitches because, as has been the case for the past few years, it wants to enhance the alleged home advantage.