The cricketing world’s attention is firmly fixed on the upcoming ICC World Cup, despite it being less than a month away. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has faced challenges in the lead-up to this quadrennial mega event, with delays in announcing the tournament schedule and ticket sales.
Normally, the World Cup schedule is unveiled a year in advance, but this time, it was revealed on June 27. However, it wasn’t the final schedule, as some matches, including the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash, were rescheduled. Fans have also encountered difficulties in purchasing tickets due to these delays.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has defended the board’s actions, citing the need to align the schedule with logistical, operational, and broadcast requirements. To meet the high demand for tickets in cricket-loving India, the BCCI has decided to release an additional 400,000 tickets after consultations with state associations. General ticket sales for all matches began on September 8, with sales for the semi-finals and final set to start on September 15.
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Shah, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council, acknowledged the challenges of hosting such a massive tournament in India, a vast and diverse country. He emphasized the importance of meticulous planning and coordination to ensure the success of the tournament and a seamless experience for players, fans, and stakeholders.
The 13th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup is scheduled to kick off on October 5, with defending champions England facing 2019 runners-up New Zealand at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Hosts India will commence their campaign three days later against Australia in Chennai.
