The Cricket World Cup 2023 match between India and Pakistan, which was initially set for October 15 in Ahmedabad, might undergo rescheduling due to the coinciding Navratri festival. The ICC had originally planned the match on the first day of Navratri, a significant festival celebrated with garba nights in Gujarat.
However, due to security concerns, the BCCI has been advised to reconsider this decision. Changing the match date could pose logistical challenges for fans who have already made travel arrangements and purchased tickets. It’s worth noting that matches between India and Pakistan are highly sought-after, selling out within hours and attracting massive television viewership.
The Narendra Modi Stadium, which can accommodate nearly 1 lakh spectators, has been chosen to host four important matches of the World Cup. These matches include the tournament opener between New Zealand and England, the high-profile clash between India and Pakistan, England versus Australia, and the final match. The World Cup will be held in 10 different cities, with Mumbai and Kolkata hosting the semifinals.
Ahmedabad is currently facing a shortage of hotel accommodations for the mid-October period, and even homestay options are fully booked. As a result, airfares are expected to increase. If a new date is announced for the India vs Pakistan match, it could lead to a wave of cancellations and a rush among fans to rebook their travel arrangements, all eager to be part of this historic and much-anticipated match between the two rival teams.
The intense rivalry between India and Pakistan extends beyond politics and spills onto the cricket field, especially in the One Day International (ODI) World Cup matches. The history of their encounters in the World Cup is filled with thrilling and adrenaline-pumping moments.
Their first World Cup match took place in 1992 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia. India emerged victorious with a comprehensive win over Pakistan, setting the tone for their dominance in World Cup clashes.
The next meeting occurred on March 9, 1996, in Bangalore, where India posted a formidable total of 287/8, thanks to Navjot Singh Sidhu’s impressive 93 runs and Ajay Jadeja’s quickfire 45. Despite a brilliant century from Pakistan’s Aamir Sohail, India won by 39 runs, maintaining their winning streak.
In 1999, they faced off at Old Trafford, Manchester, and once again, India came out on top. The fourth encounter happened in 2003 at Centurion, South Africa, which is remembered for Sachin Tendulkar’s memorable 98 off 75 balls, leading India to a convincing victory.
The 2007 World Cup did not feature an India-Pakistan match. However, in 2011, they met in the semi-final at Mohali, India. The match was a nail-biting contest, with India emerging victorious and securing a spot in the finals, which they eventually won.
In 2015, India once again experienced triumph over Pakistan in a group stage match held at Adelaide, Australia. In the most recent World Cup in 2019, India maintained their unbeaten record against Pakistan in World Cup matches by securing a victory in a match affected by rain.
The India vs Pakistan match, often dubbed as the ‘mother of all cricket matches,’ captures the interest of millions across the globe. Due to its immense viewership and the emotions it evokes, the decision to change its schedule from a popular weekend slot is considered surprising.