The World Cup 2023 is set to begin with New Zealand v England match in Ahmedabad.
Jay Shah, BCCI secretary has confirmed that there is a possibility that the ICC World Cup 2023 schedule, which was announced some time back may undergo some changes after a few full-time members raised some concerns.
Shah insisted that there have been requests from a few International Cricket Council (ICC) member nations to change the schedule citing very small gaps between a few games. Reports had also said that BCCI is looking to move the date of the mega India-Pakistan match in Ahmedabad from October 15 to 14.
"There is a possibility there could be a few changes in the schedule. Several Full Member countries have written in requesting to change two or three dates in the schedule. We are working out with the ICC, and we should be able to clear it in two or three days,” Jay Shah was quoted after a BCCI meeting in Delhi on Thursday.
He also added that the venues of matches would remain the same in the revised schedule, but the gaps between games would be adjusted.
“As far as possible, we are looking at not changing the venue as well as the matches. Not changing the venue is very important. Teams which have six-day gaps between matches, we are trying to reduce it to four-five days; and those that have just two-day gaps, we are trying to increase to three days,” he added.
He also talked about the India-Pakistan match and categorically dismissed the rumors that Ahmedabad police had raised concerns over providing adequate security on October 15, when the encounter will take place, as it is also the first day of the Navratri festival.
"If security was an issue then why would the match go there (to Ahmedabad). [October] 14-15 is not the problem. Two or three boards have written in, asking to change based on the logistical challenges. There are some matches where there is only a two-day gap, so it will be difficult to play and then travel the next day [and then play again],” Shah said.
Meanwhile, the World Cup 2023 is scheduled to begin on October 5 in Ahmedabad with reigning champions England taking on New Zealand.
(Times of India and ESPNCricinfo inputs)