Shift in World Cup dates poses a challenge for those who have already booked their hotel rooms and arrangements: Aakash Chopra

In a recent development regarding the World Cup 2023 schedule, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a revised calendar for nine matches in the upcoming tournament, including the much-awaited clash between India and Pakistan.

This change has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike, with former Indian opener and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra shedding light on the repercussions of this change, particularly for the fans who are going to travel to watch the match.

Chopra shared his insights in a video on his YouTube channel, emphasizing the impact on fans who have made accommodation arrangements for the event. He said,

"India vs Pakistan match, originally slated for October 15 in Ahmedabad, has been moved to the 14th. The alteration might seem minor, but for those who have already booked their hotel rooms and other arrangements, this shift poses a challenge."

The alteration in the schedule was necessitated by the clash of the original date with the commencement of the Navratri festival. While Chopra acknowledged that the change might not greatly affect broadcasters, he pointed out the predicament faced by fans who had pre-arranged their accommodations accordingly.

"It's not just about the 14th or the 15th. The issue arises for those who were already struggling to find suitable places to stay. With the date change, they now face even more difficulties," he added.

Chopra spoke about the broader impact of this change, explaining how it affected the other matches. He stated:

"It won't work out with just one change. It was going to have a cascading effect. There was supposed to be a Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match in Hyderabad on October 12. That will now be played on the 10th so that Pakistan also gets four days to recuperate."

Chopra emphasized that the changes were made to provide a clear window for the India-Pakistan match, acknowledging its significance not only in cricketing terms but also from a broadcast perspective.