Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Pakistan prefer to play ICC World Cup matches in Chennai and Kolkata

Pakistan played its T20 World Cup game against India in 2016 and the players were very happy with the security, a source close to ICC Board,

Pakistan prefer to play ICC World Cup matches in Chennai and Kolkata

The Pakistan cricket team would prefer playing bulk of its 2023 ODI World Cup matches in Chennai and Kolkata, the two venues where the team has felt safe during its earlier tours, according to ICC sources.

The tournament is set to begin on October 5 and will include 46 matches, with the final to be played in one of 12 Indian cities, including Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, Rajkot, Bengaluru, Delhi, Indore, Mohali, Guwahati, and Hyderabad.


The PCB officials are currently in discussions with a top-level ICC executive regarding this sensitive issue.

“A lot will depend on what BCCI and the Indian government decide but given a choice, Pakistan will like to play most of its World Cup matches in Kolkata and Chennai. In Kolkata, Pakistan played its T20 World Cup game against India in 2016 and the players were very happy with the security," a source close to ICC Board, tracking developments, said.

"Similarly, Chennai as a venue remains memorable for Pakistan. It’s also about feeling safe at specific venues."

The bone of contention will be the India versus Pakistan game.

While Ahmedabad with 1,32,000 capacity gives ICC, the best chance to earn optimum profits but the Narendra Modi Stadium is already hosting the final, so another venue might host the game.

Each team will play nine games at the league stage which will be held in round-robin format.

The ICC’s Events committee, in association with host cricket board BCCI, will chalk out the final itinerary in the next few months so that it allows fans across India and other parts to plan their travel itinerary.

Recently, ICC General Manager Wasim Khan, in his own capacity had told Pakistani media that the team could play its matches in Bangladesh as a part of a ‘hybrid model’ that could be followed since the Indian team is not travelling to the country for the Asia Cup.

But PCB chairman Najam Sethi, back then had rubbished the idea of playing World Cup games in Bangladesh. More so, ICC had made it clear that no such proposal had come from Pakistan about ‘hybrid model’ for global tournaments.

During the 2011 World Cup, Pakistan’s semi-final against India was played at Mohali, which made it logistically convenient for the fans across the border to travel through Wagah Border. However, Mohali does not figure in the 12 venues finalised by the BCCI.

In 1996, the high-profile quarterfinal was held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

A lot has changed since then and in these sensitive times, it will be very difficult to host Pakistan in some of the specific venues, including Mumbai and Dharamsala.

(PTI)

More For You

Syed Abid Ali

Abid Ali made his Test debut in December 1967 against Australia in Adelaide, taking 6/55 in the first innings—his best bowling figures in Test cricket. (Photo: BCCI)

Former India allrounder Syed Abid Ali passes away at 83

FORMER India allrounder Syed Abid Ali died on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He was 83.

Abid Ali, who was known for his all-round abilities and sharp fielding, passed away in the United States. He was part of a distinguished group of Hyderabad cricketers that included MAK Pataudi, ML Jaisimha, and Abbas Ali Baig.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kim Kardashian Didn’t Know Ambanis Before Accepting Invite

The Kardashian sisters stunned in traditional Indian attire at the Ambani-Merchant wedding celebrations

Instagram/Kardashiansfan

Kim Kardashian didn’t know the Ambanis before saying yes to their ‘Wild’ 50-pound wedding invite

Kim Kardashian and her sister Khloé Kardashian recently opened up about their whirlwind trip to India in July 2024. The two reality stars were among the global celebrities who attended the grand wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. In the latest episode of The Kardashians, Kim admitted that she didn’t personally know the Ambani family before attending the wedding. In fact, the decision to go was made pretty casually.

During the episode, Kim shared that her connection to the Ambanis came through Lorraine Schwartz, a close friend and well-known jeweller. Schwartz designs jewellery for the Ambanis and was attending the wedding herself. She mentioned to Kim that the family was interested in inviting the Kardashian sisters to the event. “Lorraine said they’d love to have us there. We thought, why not? And we just went for it,” Kim explained.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ben Stokes considered to lead England’s white-ball teams after Buttler’s exit

Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes considered to lead England’s white-ball teams after Buttler’s exit

Eastern Eye

ENGLAND cricket chiefs are considering Test captain Ben Stokes as a potential leader for the struggling white-ball teams following Jos Buttler’s resignation.

Rob Key, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) managing director for men’s cricket, confirmed last week that “nothing’s off the table” when it comes to finding Buttler’s replacement for both the 50-over and Twenty20 sides.

Keep ReadingShow less
Southport stabbings: Terrorism watchdog rejects definition change

FILE PHOTO: Riot police hold back protesters near a burning police vehicle in Southport, England (Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Southport stabbings: Terrorism watchdog rejects definition change

TERRORISM watchdog has rejected calls to redefine terrorism following last summer's tragic Southport murders, while recommending a new offence to tackle those intent on mass killings without clear ideological motives.

Jonathan Hall KC, the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, published his highly anticipated report on Thursday (13), concluding that the existing definition of terrorism should remain unchanged despite growing concerns about violent attackers with unclear motives.

Keep ReadingShow less
Deliveroo posts first annual profit after 12 years

A Deliveroo rider near Victoria station in London, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Deliveroo posts first annual profit after 12 years

FOOD DELIVERY app Deliveroo announced on Thursday (13) its first annual profit as orders and revenue rose, while the 12-year old company sees further growth despite exiting Hong Kong.

The milestone follows sizeable full-year losses owing to high investment costs since American Will Shu founded the company in 2013 and made Deliveroo's first delivery in London.

Keep ReadingShow less