It is not easy to change the World Cup schedule and it's unlikely to happen: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla voiced his stance on the Hyderabad Cricket Association’s (HCA) request to reconsider hosting consecutive matches in the eagerly-anticipated 2023 ODI World Cup.

Notably, the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad has been allotted two back-to-back fixtures - the clash between New Zealand and The Netherlands followed by Pakistan’s match against Sri Lanka on October 9 and 10, respectively. The HCA alerted the BCCI over the potential issue in arranging security for consecutive days and requested for a change in the schedule. 

In the same vein, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, who was at the launch of the inaugural edition of the UPT20 in Lucknow, spoke about the issue and expressed that an alteration in the schedule is ‘unlikely’ to happen.

"I am in charge of the Hyderabad venue for (2023 ODI) World Cup. If there will be any issue or anything, will try to get it resolved. It is not easy to change the World Cup schedule and it's unlikely to happen. Only BCCI can't change schedule, teams, ICC, all involved," Shukla told on the sidelines of the UPT20 League launch.

Team India will begin their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign against Australia

Keeping in mind that Pakistan plays on one of the aforementioned dates, the security is likely to be increased at the venue. It is worth mentioning that Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Dharamsala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and Pune are among the 10 venues that will host the league phase of the ODI World Cup.

A total of 45 fixtures will be played in the league phase followed by three matches in the knockout rounds which includes two semi-finals and the summit clash. Defending champions England will square off against New Zealand to kickstart the proceedings in the big-ticket event on October 5, at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad.

Rohit Sharma-led team India will begin their campaign on October 8, as they go head-to-head against heavyweights Australia, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai. The high-voltage India-Pakistan clash as per the revised schedule will be played on October 14, in Ahmedabad.