The anticipation for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 is mounting, with fans eagerly awaiting the announcement of the tournament’s schedule. Geoff Allardice, the chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has hinted that the schedule could soon be unveiled, providing insights into the dates and venues for the prestigious event set to be held in India. However, this year’s schedule release has experienced an unusual delay, marking a departure from previous editions.
In the past, the schedule for the ICC World Cup has typically been disclosed well in advance. The schedule for the 2019 World Cup was announced on April 26, 2018, a significant 13 months before the tournament’s opening match. Similarly, the schedule for the 2015 edition was unveiled on July 30, 2013, a substantial 18 months prior to the first game.
However, the schedule for the upcoming 2023 World Cup remains unknown, causing suspense among cricket enthusiasts. According to reports from ESPNcricinfo, the tournament was originally slated to commence on October 5 and run until November 18, with a captivating opening clash between the finalists of the previous edition, New Zealand and England. BCCI secretary Jay Shah had previously mentioned that the World Cup schedule would be announced during the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Nonetheless, Allardice has refrained from confirming this news, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further updates.
During a recent interaction, Allardice acknowledged that the ICC is still awaiting the final schedule from the hosts. He stated that there are ongoing consultations with all participating teams and broadcasters to ensure a comprehensive and well-planned tournament. The ICC works closely with the host nation to organize successful cricket events, and the schedule announcement is a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders.
Responding to questions about Pakistan’s hesitance to play in India and its potential impact on the schedule release, Allardice dismissed any connection, emphasizing that he cannot provide further details until the schedule is officially disclosed.