ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan seek venue swap for Afghanistan, Australia matches

Pakistan are seeking to swap their venues for the matches against Afghanistan and Australia in this year's ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held in October-November in India.
 
As per the proposed schedule, Pakistan are to face Afghanistan at the spin-friendly MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and Australia at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed a desire to face Australia in Chennai rather than Afghanistan. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has proposed Pakistan to contest against arch-rivals India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, Pakistan haven't accepted the proposal yet, citing they needed permission from the government. This is understood to be the reason behind the delay in the release of the official schedule for the showpiece event.

According to a Cricket Pakistan report, Pakistan analysts are reviewing venue data and have raised certain concerns. Some opined that India have purposefully scheduled matches at venues where Pakistan might face difficulties with pitch conditions and practice facilities among others. 

The pitch in Chennai often favours spinners, which will be a challenge for Pakistan against Afghanistan, who currently have strong spin attack. Notably, Pakistan have requested that their matches against Australia and Afghanistan be moved to Chennai and Bengaluru, respectively.

As per the proposed schedule, Pakistan's first two qualifying matches are to be held on October 6 and 12 in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, the match against India is proposed for October 15 before the one against Australia in Bengaluru on October 20. 

Pakistan's matches against Afghanistan and South Africa are scheduled to be held on the October 23 and 27 respectively in Chennai. They will play Bangladesh in Kolkata on October 31 and New Zealand in Bengaluru on November 5 before their final group match against England in Kolkata on November 12.