The India-Pakistan World Cup match scheduled for October 15 in Ahmedabad may need to be rescheduled due to security concerns. Initially, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had planned for this important match to be held on the first day of Navratri, a festival widely celebrated in Gujarat. However, security agencies have advised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reconsider the date to avoid straining resources and personnel during the festive period, as reported by The Indian Express.
According to a top BCCI official, who chose to remain anonymous, the board is considering alternative options for the match date. The security agencies have expressed concerns about the high-profile nature of the game and the large number of traveling fans that are expected to arrive in Ahmedabad, as they believe it could put a strain on resources already stretched due to Navratri festivities. LiveMint cannot independently verify these developments.
If the date is indeed changed, it may create logistical challenges for fans who have already made their travel arrangements. Hotel rates in Ahmedabad have seen a significant surge, reaching as high as ₹1 lakh per room, indicating a more than ten-fold increase compared to July rates. Luxury hotels in Ahmedabad, which typically charge an average of ₹5,000-8,000, are now charging as much as ₹40,000 and ₹1 lakh. Additionally, domestic airfares to Ahmedabad have increased more than fourfold, further adding to the financial strain on fans and travelers.
India and Pakistan have a long-standing cricket rivalry, having met seven times in World Cups. India has emerged victorious in all seven instances, including T20 World Cups. Although this streak was broken in 2021, India regained dominance in the 2022 edition with a remarkable victory over their arch-rivals.