With just 99 days remaining until the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, the Indian cricket team is gearing up for a home-ground battle in India starting on October 5. As one of the favorites, Team India aims to claim the ODI World Champion title.
The recently announced match schedule, released jointly by the ICC and BCCI, has drawn criticism due to venue selections. However, a closer look reveals that the Indian team will endure the most extensive travel among all ten participating nations.
Over the course of the tournament, Team India will cover nearly 10,000 kilometers in just 42 days. This includes travel to match venues as well as commuting from hotels to practice sessions and game days. Should they reach the final in Ahmedabad on November 19, their total air travel distance will reach approximately 9,800 kilometers.
The eagerly awaited India vs. Pakistan clash will take place on October 15 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, which will also host the final. Team India will compete in nine out of the ten host cities, excluding Hyderabad.
The exclusion of certain venues has led to disappointment among state cricket associations. Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer expressed dissatisfaction, hinting at political motivations influencing the decision-making process.
As the tournament approaches, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing remarkable performances from cricketing legends. With the Indian team playing on home soil, the World Cup promises to be an electrifying event. Team India aims to leverage their advantage and passionate home support to secure the title.
Despite the controversies surrounding the schedule, the countdown to the World Cup continues, building excitement for the battle among the world’s top cricketing nations. With their sights set on victory, Team India is prepared to face the challenges of extensive travel and fierce competition to etch their name in cricketing history.
Sunil Yash Kalra is a Women’s Cricket Historian & Founder of Indian Sports Fans
