India Pakistan World Cup match possibly being rescheduled, Twitter has memes of course
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad is the world's largest cricket staduim with a capacity of 1,32,000 spectators. (Photo: BCCI/ DailyO)
The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the upcoming ODI World Cup, originally scheduled for October 15 in Ahmedabad, is facing the possibility of getting rescheduled.
According to a report by The Indian Express, security agencies have advised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reconsider the date due to the day, October 15 coinciding with the first day of 'Navratri,' the festival known for its exuberant Garba.
BCCI has been advised to reconsider the itinerary for #INDvPAK match due to security concerns#WorldCup https://t.co/ZA05A0k5Og
— India Today Sports (@ITGDsports) July 26, 2023
BCCI calls meeting
- In light of the security concerns and logistical difficulties, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has convened a meeting in Delhi on July 27.
- The gathering will bring together hosting venue representatives and other board officials to discuss the possibility of rescheduling the India-Pakistan match and address other matters.
- The security arrangements during the entire Navratri period in the city have been heightened due to the massive public participation in celebrations.
- Moreover, reports indicate that ensuring security for the high-profile match poses a significant challenge for the local police.
Nightmare for fans
- If the game date is indeed changed, it could lead to a logistical nightmare for fans who have already made travel arrangements around the original India-Pakistan match date.
- With tickets for the match selling out within hours and booking accommodations at a much higher price, many fans are now facing uncertainty and potential upheaval.
- Reports from Ahmedabad indicate that most hotels are already fully booked for mid-October, and even homestay options are exhausted. Some fans even booked hospital beds to beat the rush.
- In such a situation fans are set to suffer, and so are the hotel operators.
Mixed reactions
The news of the potential rescheduling of the marquee match has triggered mixed reactions from cricket enthusiasts.
BREAKING: India-Pakistan World Cup game likely to be rescheduled, Oct 15 clashes with Navratri start.
— 100 NOT OUT (@100NotOutVK) July 26, 2023
People who booked expensive hotels and hospitals: #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/CdEogdR5Bx
While some fans expressed disappointment over the uncertainty after having paid exorbitant prices for accommodation and made travel arrangements, others have found humour in the situation and taken to social media platforms like Twitter to share memes and jokes.
People running from Ahmedabad to Chennai to watch India Pakistan World Cup game https://t.co/MjnAsmxzQj pic.twitter.com/sIciUTTKZb
— Arnav Singh (@Arnavv43) July 26, 2023
A true Gujrati was on point with her priorities on Twitter.
Navratri >>> India Pakistan match
— Shruti Chaturvedi 🇮🇳 (@adhicutting) July 26, 2023
Only gujjus will understand the gravity of this situation. 😂 It is what it is. #Bcci
A Hera Pheri meme too blessed the news, as it does with every other situation on the earth.
Cricket Fans booked expensive flights, non refundable hotel rooms and even hospital beds in Ahmedabad for Ind v Pak match
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) July 26, 2023
Meanwhile BCCI: pic.twitter.com/b1ZJF04USy
A joke that might pinch someone who booked rooms for the match before hand was also thrown.
2 minute silence for those who booked rooms in hotels and hospitals for 10th , 11 th october for India vs pakistan match at higher prices 😂
— Jayprakash MSDian™ 🥳🦁 (@ms_dhoni_077) July 26, 2023
Match will be reschedule on 14th october
ALSO READ: Fans book hospital beds in Ahmedabad on Ind-Pak World Cup match day since hotel rates are skyhigh
World Cup 2023 at Ahmedabad
- The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is set to host four group-stage games in the World Cup, including the highly anticipated India-Pakistan encounter, as well as the tournament's final on November 19.
- The event will span across 10 Indian cities, with the semifinals scheduled to take place in Mumbai and Kolkata.
As the BCCI contemplates the security situation of the India-Pakistan match coinciding with Navratri, fans and cricket enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the decision from the meeting on July 27.
The forthcoming men's ODI World Cup is set to commence on October 5 and conclude on November 19, with both the opening and closing matches taking place in Ahmedabad. The tournament will involve 10 participating teams, competing in a total of 48 matches held across ten various venues throughout India.