Expect changes in World Cup 2023 schedule: BCCI secretary Jay Shah

After widespread reports of the India vs Pakistan game in ODI World Cup 2023 getting rescheduled, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah has given his official word on the same on Thursday, July 27. In a recent development, a few changes are expected in the World Cup schedule in the coming days. However, the venues will not be changed but a change in the dates is likely to be made after a request from member boards.

Notably, India vs Pakistan game is scheduled to be held on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. But several reports claimed that the game would be rescheduled to a day earlier due to Gujarat police’s inability to provide security on the match day due to Hindu festival of Navratri starting the same day. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, especially Gujarat, leading to security and ligistical concerns as the security forces have already expressed concern regarding the scheduling of the big match.

"We have received requests from 2-3 member boards to change match dates. It's not specific to India Pakistan match," BCCI secretary Jay Shah said.

Jasprit Bumrah expected to make return with Ireland series

In another major update, Shah has also spilled the beans on fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness ahead of the World Cup. Following the BCCI meeting with the state associations, Shah revealed that Bumrah is fit and is likely to get picked for the three-match T20I series against Ireland beginning from August 18.

The fast bowler has been out of action since September 2022, when he last played a T20I against Australia. He underwent a back surgery in March for a stress fracture which ruled him out of the T20 World Cup 2022. BCCI medical staff provided an official update on Bumrah a few days back which stated that the seamer has begun bowling at full intensity in the nets. 

The final decision on Bumrah’s comeback will be taken after his participation in the practice games organised by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Bumrah’s comeback comes as great news for India, with the World Cup approaching at home.