The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the much-awaited match schedule for the ICC World Cup 2019 to be played in England and Wales. The marquee clash between rivals India and Pakistan has been scheduled for June 16, 2019, to be played at Old Trafford ground.
The tournament returns to the format used in 1992; all 10 teams play each other in the league stage with four of them progressing to the knockouts.
England will meet South Africa in the curtain raiser for the most prestigious event in cricket at The Oval on May 30. The tournament is scheduled to be played at 11 venues across England and Wales with Lord's hosting its fifth World Cup final on July 14.
ICC has insured the knockout matches - both semi-finals and the final - by having reserve days for the three games. Old Trafford will host the first semi-final (No. 1 v No. 4) on July 9 and Edgbaston hosting the second semi-final two days later.
Presenting the full and - nearly - final schedule of the 2019 World Cup. Which match are you looking forward to the most?https://t.co/UTwlAb71HP pic.twitter.com/DYTmonaieZ
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 25, 2018
The eleven venues that will host the tournament are Lord's, the Oval, Edgbaston, Trent Bridge, Headingley, Old Trafford, Taunton, Bristol, Chester-le-Street, Southampton and Cardiff.
Defending champions Australia will start their campaign against qualifiers Afghanistan in Bristol on June 2 under lights. In all, the tournament comprises 48 matches to be played across 46 days, including seven day-night contests.
India will be playing their first match on June 5, against South Africa at Southampton. Along with hosts England, seven other countries - Australia, Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka - secured a direct entry to the World Cup last September. In March, Afghanistan and West Indies booked the final two slots after finishing as the top two teams in the World Cup Qualifier.
(With ESPNCrincinfo inputs)
