Pakistan’s World Cup schedule in disarray due to security concerns

Officially, the CAB chief, Snehasish Ganguly, denied making any request for a change in the schedule.

The Pakistan cricket team might witness another change in the schedule for one of their matches in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) reportedly expressed concerns to the ICC regarding the clash between Pakistan and England on November 12. This date coincides with the Hindu festival of Kali Puja, celebrated in India, leading to the entire police department being occupied with the festival's security measures. Due to these circumstances, the CAB asserted that providing adequate security for the Pakistan cricket team would be extremely challenging.

Officially, the CAB chief, Snehasish Ganguly, denied making any request for a change in the schedule. Nevertheless, an unnamed CAB official stated that the ICC and BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) were informed about the security concerns raised by the Kolkata Police.

“Kolkata Police has cited concerns to provide security for the match slated on Diwali. We have informed the ICC and BCCI to reschedule it and if does not happen we would inform this to the chief minister," a senior CAB office-bearer, who was part of the meeting with the 17-member ICC and BCCI inspection team, was quoted as saying by PTI.

In addition to the Pakistan vs. England match, the India vs. Pakistan clash in Ahmedabad, originally scheduled for October 15th, is also set to be rescheduled to October 14th due to security issues raised by the local police. The first day of Navaratri, another important Hindu festival, coincides with the original date, making it challenging for the police to manage security arrangements.

Similarly, the second Pakistan match against Sri Lanka, initially scheduled for October 12, is likely to be moved a couple of days.