2023 ODI World Cup: India vs Pakistan likely on 15th October; England & New Zealand to play tournament opener - Reports

Reportedly, India to kick-off their 2023 ODI World Cup campaign against Australia, set to face Pakistan on 15th October.

The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 opening match will take place in Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium between New Zealand and England on October 5. The final of the tournament is also expected to be played in Motera on November 19.

According to Cricbuzz reports, the Indian Cricket team is likely to play their first game against Australia in Chennai. The pivotal match against Pakistan will take place on October 15, on Sunday, the same as the title game on November 19.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is anticipated to reveal the schedule soon, maybe following the current season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023), after gaining formal approval from all parties. Of course, the BCCI, as the host, may have the final say about the rest of the details.

PCB makes requests for certain venues for their matches in India

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reservations about playing the crucial match against India in Ahmedabad; as a result, the PCB president has requested certain venue alterations to save face. Pakistan has reportedly agreed to play in Ahmedabad, though, if they make it to the championship game.

Pakistan will compete in matches at Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. The majority of Pakistan games have taken place at grounds provided by the BCCI in the South Zone, with Chennai receiving a few additional games due to its reputation as a peaceful host with a supportive crowd.

Apart from Ahmedabad and the three south centers, Kolkata, Delhi, Indore, Dharamsala, Guwahati, Rajkot, Raipur and Mumbai are the designated venues with Mohali and Nagpur missing out from the list.

Wankhede Stadium is set to host a semi-final. Each team will play nine league games which means most centers, if not all, will get an India game each.

With India, England, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Pakistan, South Africa, and Bangladesh having qualified for the World Cup, there will be a total of 10 teams and 48 games.

The Netherlands, Ireland, Nepal, Oman, Scotland, UAE, and host Zimbabwe will take part in a qualification event in June-July to complete the final two spots, together with the two former champions West Indies and Sri Lanka.