The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and ICC (International Cricket Council) have collaboratively unveiled the eagerly anticipated schedule for the ODI World Cup and its warm-up matches set to unfold in India later this year.
This prestigious tournament is slated to run from October 5 to November 19, commencing with an exciting opening clash between the finalists from the previous edition, England and New Zealand, at the magnificent ODI stadium in Ahmedabad. The grand finale of the competition will also grace the same venue on November 19. The semi-finals, on the other hand, are scheduled to take place in Mumbai and Kolkata, at the illustrious Wankhede Stadium and Eden Gardens, respectively.
The host nation, India, will initiate their campaign against the formidable five-time champions, Australia, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8. In addition to Ahmedabad, nine other venues have been selected to host various matches during this colossal event. Notably, Hyderabad will not serve as a host for any of India's matches.
Some of the country's premier stadiums have missed out on the opportunity to host ODI World Cup matches, with one of the most significant omissions being the PCA Stadium in Mohali. This venue had previously hosted the semi-final encounter between India and Pakistan during the 2011 edition, the last time India hosted the event. While there were hopes that Mohali might secure at least a warm-up match, the ICC has officially confirmed the fixtures for the 2023 World Cup practice matches, and unfortunately, the iconic stadium will not be part of the tournament in any capacity.
The warm-up matches are designed to assist the participating teams in adapting to the conditions in India and preparing them for the quest for the coveted trophy. According to the World Cup warm-up schedule, a total of 10 matches will be contested by the teams from September 29 to October 3, providing valuable practice and acclimatization opportunities.
Here's the schedule of the ODI World Cup 2023 warm-up matches:
Date: 29/09/2023
Venue: Hyderabad
Match: New Zealand vs Pakistan
Date: 29/09/2023
Venue: Thiruvananthapuram
Match: South Africa vs Afghanistan
Date : 29/03/2023
Venue: Guwahati
Match: Bangladesh vs Qualifier
Date : 30/09/2023
Venue: Guwahati
Match: India vs England
Date: 30/09/2023
Venue: Thiruvananthapuram
Match: Australia vs Qualifier
Date: 02/10/2023
Venue: Guwahati
Match: Bangladesh vs England
Date: 02/10/2023
Venue: Thiruvananthapuram
Match: South Africa vs New Zealand
Date: 03/10/2023
Venue: Hyderabad
Match: Australia vs Pakistan
Date: 03/10/2023
Venue: Guwahati
Match: Afghanistan vs Qualifier
Date: 03/10/2023
Venue: Thiruvananthapuram
Match: India vs Qualifier
New Zealand:
New Zealand, though facing the absence of their captain Kane Williamson for the entire World Cup, has a history of overachieving in ICC events. The upcoming warm-up matches will be instrumental in helping them fine-tune their team dynamics before the main tournament. The Kiwis have scheduled two warm-up encounters against formidable opponents. First, they'll lock horns with Babar Azam's Pakistan on September 29 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad. Their second and final warm-up fixture will pit them against South Africa at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on October 2. Following this match, they'll journey to Ahmedabad to participate in the opening match of the World Cup on October 5, where they'll face defending champions England.
England:
England is undeniably a top contender to clinch the ODI World Cup in India. Their aggressive style of play across all formats of the game has solidified their status as favorites for the tournament. As per the World Cup warm-up schedule, England is set to square off against hosts India on September 30 and Bangladesh on October 2. Both of these warm-up clashes will be hosted at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati.
Pakistan:
While Pakistan is yet to confirm their participation in the World Cup in India, the World Cup warm-up schedule suggests they'll be part of the action. They are slated to play their warm-up matches against New Zealand and Australia on September 29 and October 3, respectively.
South Africa:
South Africa has undergone significant changes since the last World Cup. Nonetheless, they boast a roster of top-class players and will face challenges from Afghanistan and New Zealand in their warm-up matches. These two fixtures are scheduled for September 29 and October 2 in Thiruvananthapuram. Subsequently, they'll travel to Delhi to kick off their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on October 7.
Australia:
Australia is set to commence their World Cup journey against host nation India on October 8 in Chennai. Prior to that, they'll square off against Pakistan and one of the teams that advanced through the qualifiers in warm-up matches. According to the World Cup warm-up schedule, these two matches are scheduled for September 30 and October 3 in Thiruvananthapuram and Hyderabad, respectively.
Afghanistan:
In comparison to their performance in 2019, Afghanistan has evolved into a formidable ODI team. Their familiarity with Indian conditions, owing to extensive practice in the country, could prove advantageous. The World Cup warm-up schedule offers them an excellent opportunity to fine-tune their skills with matches against South Africa and one of the qualifying teams. While the specific opponent from the qualifiers, be it Sri Lanka or the Netherlands, is yet to be confirmed, Afghanistan's warm-up fixtures are set as follows: they will face South Africa on September 29 in Thiruvananthapuram and a Qualifier team in Guwahati on October 3.
Bangladesh:
Bangladesh's cricket journey has witnessed its share of ups and downs, including the recent retirement and subsequent reversal of the decision by Mushfiqur Rahim. Nevertheless, the Tigers remain a potent force in the 50-over format. In their preparations for the World Cup, they are scheduled to confront either Sri Lanka or the Netherlands and England in their two warm-up encounters. Both of these matches will be hosted in Guwahati, taking place on September 29 and October 2, respectively.
India:
'The host nation, India, aspires to break their ICC trophy drought, which has persisted for 12 years, in the upcoming ODI World Cup. India's inaugural World Cup match will be against Australia on October 8 in Chennai. Their warm-up engagements are against England and one of the qualifying teams, slated for September 30 and October 3, respectively. These matches will be held in Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram, providing India with valuable preparation opportunities before the main event.