As the eagerly awaited schedule for the 2023 World Cup is yet to be released, there are strong indications that Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, may finally get the opportunity to host matches during the prestigious tournament set to take place in India in October and November. The iconic Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram is expected to be selected as one of the venues, with the possibility of hosting two to three matches.
Sources reveal that these matches are likely to be scheduled in October, as the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) is concerned about potential rain interruptions that could occur in November. While official confirmation is pending, an insider shared that Thiruvananthapuram is anticipated to host matches involving teams other than India. Sri Lanka could be one of the teams playing at the venue, with a couple of other exciting fixtures also in the pipeline.
The KCA has formally expressed its desire to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to include Thiruvananthapuram as a World Cup venue. The association is hopeful that the BCCI will respond positively to their request, granting the green signal to host matches in the city. Previously, Kerala has only hosted three ODI World Cup matches, as it was not typically considered as a prominent venue. However, the Greenfield Stadium has garnered praise from both current and former players, enhancing its reputation as a deserving host for marquee matches.
KCA President Jayesh George, who is also a former joint secretary of the BCCI, acknowledged the association’s appeal to the BCCI while awaiting official confirmation. “We are hopeful of getting some games. However, we are still awaiting official confirmation from the BCCI and ICC,” George stated in an interview with TOI.
