Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed skepticism about the likelihood of the International Cricket Council (ICC) accommodating Pakistan’s request to alter the venues for the World Cup 2023 matches.
Recent reports indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approached the ICC to consider switching the locations of their matches against Afghanistan and Australia in the ICC World Cup 2023.
As per the current schedule, Pakistan is set to play Australia in Bangalore on October 20, while their match against Afghanistan is scheduled in Chennai on October 23. However, the PCB wishes to change the venues for both matches. In response to these reports, renowned Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his doubts regarding the ICC’s willingness to make such adjustments. He pointed out that if there were genuine security concerns, the matches could have been rescheduled.
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“Pakistan, in their request letter itself, have mentioned that conditions will favor Afghanistan in Chennai. So, by changing venues, it plays into an advantage for Pakistan. So, I highly doubt that ICC will heed this request. Maybe if Pakistan has given some valid security reasons, then it might be shifted,” commented Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel.
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He further recalled a similar instance in the 2016 T20 World Cup where the India-Pakistan match, originally scheduled in Dharamsala, was shifted to Kolkata due to security reasons. Ashwin emphasized that only for genuine security concerns would the ICC consider altering the venues.
Turning to the ICC World Cup 2023 fixtures, Ashwin confirmed that the India-Pakistan match is set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which has garnered significant attention from cricket fans worldwide. The highly anticipated clash between these arch-rivals is expected to be a thrilling contest, and the revamped stadium in Ahmedabad is poised to offer a memorable experience for spectators.
“Let’s look at the ICC 2023 WC slated for Oct-Nov. India vs Pakistan, the most sought-after game, is slated to happen in Ahmedabad. India vs Australia in Chennai,” Ashwin shared on his YouTube channel.