The original date of the match, October 15, is the first day of the Hindu holiday of Navaratri, hence the game could potentially be played a day earlier, on October 14.
In a decision that could have an impact on the whole ODI World Cup schedule, the BCCI is considering changing the tournament’s most high-profile match – India vs. Pakistan in Ahmedabad – from October 15 to October 14.
The reason for the move, according to ESPNcricinfo, is that October 15 is also the first day of the Hindu festival of Navaratri, and the local police have informed the BCCI that security will be impossible to provide on the day.
The BCCI is said to have informed the ICC of the problem, but no definite action has been made. Before making a final decision, the BCCI is set to meet with all state associations hosting World Cup matches on July 27.
The initial World Cup schedule included October 14 as a double-header day, with England playing Afghanistan during the day in Delhi and New Zealand playing Bangladesh during the day and night in Chennai. There are no triple-headers scheduled, however there are two matches on six days.
India, who begin their World Cup campaign on October 8 against Australia in Chennai, would have also played Afghanistan on October 11 in Delhi before the game against Pakistan, and their next match is on October 19 in Pune against Bangladesh.
Pakistan plays the Netherlands on the second day of the tournament on October 6, followed by Sri Lanka on October 12, also in Hyderabad, before facing India on October 20, followed by Australia in Bengaluru on October 20.
As a result, if the game is moved to October 14, Pakistan will have only one day between games in Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, whereas India will have two days.
The news came almost a month after the BCCI released the World Cup schedule, which was also significantly delayed. While the BCCI has not yet confirmed when match tickets would be available for purchase, fans and other stakeholders have already reserved flights and accommodations in Ahmedabad for the match, which has historically been one of the most watched sporting events in the world.
