IND vs PAK World Cup 2023: BCCI’s rescheduling plans will be financial fiasco – Here’s Why

BCCI is contemplating changing the date following Ahmedabad police admitting that they may not be able to provide the necessary security.

India and Pakistan were set to meet on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. But October 15 coincides with the first day of the Navratri festival, which is a very popular one in the Indian state of Gujarat.

Due to that, there will be a scarcity of police personnel deployed at the stadium, and hence Ahmedabad police have thrown the towel. Amid this, BCCI is exploring options to reschedule the match, and the match can be advanced a day or slotted on a different day. But what will be the impact of this rescheduling?

IND vs PAK: Rescheduling will be a Fiasco for the Fans

The flagship encounter of the ODI World Cup was to be played on a Sunday, and after the announcement of the schedule, the madness peaked.

Fans started to book hotels and the Ahmedabad-bound commodities soared so high. Air Fares, Hotel prices increased numerous folds and it has remained like that since. Fans even have gone on to book hospital beds for their stay amid the bizarre yet raw passion for the game.

Hence this sudden change in plans will be a massive financial loss for many of those travelling supporters. Most of the airfares are partially refundable, hence that will be a chunk of money lost for the fans. The same goes for the hotel cost and other expenses.

Security Issue concerns Fans

It will be unjust to the cricket-loving community in this country. But another aspect of the Narendra Modi Stadium and Ahmedabad is the security issue.

In the IPL 2023 Final, we witnessed the massive anarchy around the stadium for the collection of physical tickets. A stampede-like situation arose as there was no proper system or discipline in the conduction of the ticket collection during the match.

Now even if BCCI reschedule the match, will Ahmedabad police be able to provide the proper security for the spectators? One CSK fan doesn’t think so. The fan spoke to MyKhel and says it is better to rather watch India vs Pakistan in the Asia Cup and fly to Sri Lanka than the World Cup.

“I’ve booked Air Tickets for Colombo for Ind vs Pak, 2nd September in Kandy. It’s a cheaper, and more sensible trip, and like a tour for 3 days and 2 nights, at around 30k total trip than to rush to Ahmedabad, stay 2 nights and spend so much and struggle around for tickets. Also, I had been to IPL Finals and the experience in Ahmedabad is not something I enjoyed,” the CSK fan said.

This is the general feeling of many fans who are now confused and frustrated by the uncertainty. BCCI needs to come up with a solution and it is only logical to keep the match on the same day.

Ahmedabad Police has the onus to conduct the match and if they need help, they must seek forces from other states. But a sudden rescheduling will create another similar rush and hike in prices of the transports, accommodations and other things – which is not fair for the fans.