By Zainab Shafiq 
ESPNcricinfo has recently revealed the draft schedule for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, which includes a highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India. However, controversy surrounds the selection of the venue for this high-profile match, as it is set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
According to the report, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had expressed reservations about playing their match against India at this particular venue. Despite their concerns, the draft schedule has been submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC), and member boards are expected to provide feedback before the final announcement is made.
In the proposed schedule, Pakistan’s group-stage matches are spread across five venues. Alongside the match against India in Ahmedabad, they are set to face Qualifying teams in Hyderabad on October 6 and 12. The team will also compete against Australia in Bengaluru on October 20, Afghanistan on October 23, and South Africa on October 27, both matches being held in Chennai. Further fixtures include encounters with Bangladesh in Kolkata on October 31, New Zealand in Bengaluru on November 5 (day match), and England in Kolkata on November 12.
Meanwhile, India’s campaign in the World Cup will take place across all nine venues selected for the tournament. Their opening match is scheduled against Australia on October 8 in Chennai. The tournament itself will commence with the clash between England, the defending champions, and New Zealand, the finalists of the ICC World Cup 2019, on October 5.
Although the venues for the semi-finals have not been disclosed yet, the final is confirmed to be held in Ahmedabad on November 19.
As the schedule undergoes review and finalization, cricket fans around the world eagerly anticipate the thrilling contests and historic rivalry that the ICC World Cup 2023 is poised to deliver.