World Cup 2023 schedule set to be out on sidelines of WTC final - Reports

BCCI has formed a working committee to oversee stadium improvements for the World Cup 2023.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) held a significant Special General Meeting (SGM) in Ahmedabad on Saturday (May 27). During the meeting, the BCCI acknowledged the criticism surrounding the facilities at various stadiums throughout the country. As a response, they made the decision to establish a committee that would oversee the allocation of grants for stadium improvements.

Of particular concern were the criticisms, primarily voiced on social media, regarding the amenities available at certain grounds. The BCCI members expressed their desire to enhance these grounds to better cater to the needs of the spectators attending matches. The formation of an Infrastructure Development and Subsidy Committee was the primary focus on the meeting's five-point agenda. The SGM empowered the office-bearers to create this committee. The objective is to complete the necessary upgrades to the grounds before the upcoming World Cup scheduled for October-November.

Continuing with the discussions at the Special General Meeting (SGM), the formation of a working group for the upcoming World Cup was also addressed. Once again, the SGM empowered the office-bearers to make the necessary decisions regarding this matter. The official announcement regarding the formation of the committee is expected to be made shortly after the conclusion of the IPL final on Sunday.

Venues for World Cup 2023 to be Announced During WTC Final

In other World Cup-related updates, the BCCI have shared that the venues for the tournament will be publicly disclosed during the World Test Championship final in London. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah mentioned that the schedule will also be revealed during a media event at that time. The WTC final is scheduled to take place at The Oval from June 7 to 12.

Additionally, as part of the World Cup planning, the BCCI has outlined that each office-bearer will be assigned responsibility for a specific venue. They will be entrusted with the task of overseeing and managing their respective venues during the tournament. "We are looking at all the metros as venues for the tournament," Shah disclosed.

Decision on Asia Cup Venue(s) to be Made After ACC Meeting

Regarding the highly debated Asia Cup, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah mentioned that the decision on the venue(s) will be made after a meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as the host, has put forward a proposal for a hybrid model with Pakistan and the UAE as potential venues. However, this proposal is yet to gain acceptance from the other members of the ACC. "The future of the Asia Cup 2023 will be decided once we have a meeting with the ACC members," Shah observed.

Regarding the series against Afghanistan, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah stated that it will take place before the World Cup, but he did not provide any specific dates. Initially, there were discussions to hold the series in late June, with three ODIs scheduled between the World Test Championship final and the West Indies series in July-August. However, recent reports from Cricbuzz suggest that those dates are unlikely to be considered. "We will go ahead with the series this year, before the World Cup," Shah said, leaving the matter in tenterhooks.