England and New Zealand will play the opening game of the 50 over Men’s World Cup on October 5

2 years AGO
Virat
Virat Verma Cricket expert
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There will be a total of 10 teams and 48 games in the World Cup with India, England, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, while South Africa being the most recent nation to get a direct entry

The 2023 Men’s 50 Over World Cup will begin and end in Ahmadabad. The opening match is set to play between England and New Zealand on October 5, while the final game will also take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera on November 19.

The 2023 Men’s 50 Over World Cup will begin and end in Ahmadabad. The opening match is set to play between England and New Zealand on October 5, while the final game will also take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera on November 19.

According to reliable sources, India’s opening match will be against Australia, and in all likelihood, it will be in Chennai. The high-clash game against Pakistan will take place on October 15, which is a Sunday, like the final on November 19.

After receiving formal clearance from all concerned, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to release the schedule shortly, perhaps after the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). As the host, the BCCI of course might have the final word about the times and venues.

In further news, Cricbuzz can confirm that Pakistan has accepted to tour India for the World Cup, despite the ongoing impasse and uncertainty over the Asia Cup. However, it is thought that Pakistan has raised a few concerns.

Najam Sethi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is thought to have visited the ICC office in Dubai over the last couple of days primarily because the PCB is understood to be having concerns about playing the big match against India in Ahmedabad.

The PCB chairman seems to be asking for a few changes to the venues of its matches as a face-saver after agreeing in principle to travel to India for the quadrennial tournament. However, it has been learned that the PCB has agreed to hold the final in Ahmedabad, should its team reach the title clash.

As per the tentative schedule drawn so far, Pakistan will play its games in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. The most Pakistan games have taken place at grounds provided by the BCCI in the South Zone, with Chennai receiving a few extra games due to its reputation as a peaceful host with a supportive crowd.

Kolkata, Delhi, Indore, Dharamsala, Guwahati, Rajkot, Raipur, and Mumbai are the designated locations apart from Ahmedabad, and the three south centers; Mohali and Nagpur are not included on the list. 

A semifinal is most likely to be played at the Mumbai Wankhede. Each side will play nine league games which means most centers, if not all, will get an India game each.

There will be a total of 10 teams and 48 games in the World Cup with India, England, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh while South Africa is the most recent nation to get a direct entry.

Two former champions, West Indies and Sri Lanka, along with the Netherlands, Ireland, Nepal, Oman, Scotland, UAE, and host Zimbabwe, will participate in a qualification tournament in June-July to fill the last two spots.