The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan World Cup match, originally set to take place at Ahmedabad’s iconic Narendra Modi Stadium on October 15, may face a rescheduling due to a clash with the first day of Navratri.
As soon as the date and venue were announced by the BCCI, cricket fans from around the globe began making arrangements for their travel and accommodation.
Unfortunately, reports started to emerge about exorbitant flight ticket prices to Ahmedabad and soaring hotel room rates in the city, making it difficult for many fans to secure suitable bookings for the match.
In their eagerness to witness the thrilling encounter, some fans even resorted to booking hospital beds for their stay in Ahmedabad. However, it appears that their plans may have to be altered.
According to a report by The Indian Express, security agencies have advised reconsidering the match’s scheduling due to the significance of Navratri, a major festival in Gujarat, on the same date.
A BCCI official stated:
“We are exploring the available options and will make a decision soon. The security agencies have recommended avoiding a high-profile game like India vs Pakistan on the first day of Navratri, as it may strain their resources with the expected influx of thousands of traveling fans to Ahmedabad.”
Upon hearing this news, cricket enthusiasts on Twitter expressed varied opinions. Some agreed that holding the match on the first day of Navratri might not be appropriate, while others empathized with those fans who had already made bookings for October 14 and 15, now facing uncertainties.
Twitter fans have varied reactions to the news of the potential rescheduling of the India vs Pakistan World Cup match
A few fans even suggested moving the match to a different city. Here are some of the noteworthy reactions from the Twitterverse:
WTF are they doing with rescheduling the India-Pakistan World Cup match. Did they not consider Navratri before? We have booked a hotel and everything else. Would like a full refund, BCCI or whoever is handling it.
— Bhawana (@bhawnakohli5) July 26, 2023
For uss Gujaratis Navratri Is More Important Than India Vs Pakistan 🤌🏻😭
How cute we Gujaratis are https://t.co/6IOBKTpx87— Tanzee 🥀 (@Tanzeel_sp) July 26, 2023
2 minutes silence for those who booked flights, hotels at 10x price than normal 🙃 https://t.co/Lz7s8BAHCQ
— Shreyas Mandade (@shreyas_mandade) July 26, 2023
But the airlines and hotels already earned a lot..the only ones loosing money now will be the fans 🙁 https://t.co/EaaDP3kIXZ
— Rajesh Verma (@rajeshverma7) July 26, 2023
Imagining the tough situation of the cricket fans who have booked flights, hotels etc. at non-refundable inflated rates. Due to this date change of the match, they will heavy losses. #CWC2023 #indvspak @BCCI @cricketworldcup https://t.co/E1Dz85CzQP
— Kaushik (@ubercool9) July 26, 2023
Take all your sweet time to release #CWC23 fixtures. After thousands of fans booked their hotels, not to mention tickets are yet to go on sale, you are now contemplating preponing the game due to Navratri? The festive calendar was not hidden. Fans deserve better.
Meeting…
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) July 26, 2023
https://twitter.com/vaibhav_c02/status/1684040705750999041?s=46
I feel sorry for the hospital room bookings 😀 https://t.co/WebkeVAspz
— Akash Jain (@Akashjainiima) July 26, 2023
India vs Pakistan match in World Cup is likely to be rescheduled due to the first day of Navaratri. [The Indian Express] pic.twitter.com/fhaStxdeNE
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 26, 2023
India Vs Pakistan World Cup match likely to be rescheduled.
Security agencies have advised the BCCI to change the itinerary due to Navratri's first day. (Indian Express). pic.twitter.com/OamaLkou5X
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 26, 2023
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