Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are set to clash on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, despite Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressing their reluctance to play at the world's largest cricket stadium citing security concerns.
Pakistan reportedly agreed to play the high-octane clash in Ahmedabad after its hybrid model for the Asia Cup was accepted by Asian Cricket Council, which would result in the nation hosting four matches with remainder of the tournament to be held in Sri Lanka in September.
The draft World Cup schedule compiled by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was shared with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and participating countries for feedback before the final schedule is released next week.
Hosts India are set to kick-start their campaign against Australia on October 8 in Chennai, three days after England and New Zealand clash in the tournament opener on October 5 in Ahmedabad.
The draft schedule currently does not mention the venues for the semi-finals. The dates for the last-four clashes are expected to be November 15 and 16 with the final on November 19 in Ahmedabad.
Here are India's league stage fixtures according to the draft schedule accessed by ESPNCricinfo:
- vs Australia, October 8, Chennai
- vs Afghanistan, October 11, Delhi
- vs Pakistan, October 15, Ahmedabad
- vs Bangladesh, October 19, Pune
- vs New Zealand, October 22, Dharamsala
- vs England, October 29, Lucknow
- vs Qualifier, November 2, Mumbai
- vs South Africa, November 5, Kolkata
- vs Qualifier, November 11, Bengaluru
BCCI secretary Jay Shah had earlier stated that the final schedule would be released during the World Test Championship Final between Australia and India but that could not materialize.
(ESPNCRICINFO INPUTS)
