Pakistan Write To ICC For Venue Swap As Official World Cup Schedule Announcement Date Approaches - Reports

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Pakistan has reportedly written to ICC requesting for a swap in venue for two of their matches at the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 in India as the official schedule announcement date gets closer.

Accoring to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have aleady sent a note to ICC to get venue swapped for two of their matches as they feel BCCI has purposely slotted them to face neighbours at a certain venue.

In the draft schedule release earlier this month, Pakistan will play two matches each in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai, while they will play one match in Ahmedabad.

However, Pakistan were allegedly unhappy with most of the venues especially their match against Afghanistan to be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, which possess spin-friendly tracks.

Pakistan ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Draft Schedule

In fact, Pakistan had raised multiple objections to venues allotted for their matches. But were critical of the Chennai venue being allotted for the clash against spin-heavy Afghanistan.

According to a reports by ESPNCricinfo, the PCB have sent a note to ICC seeking to swap venues for their matches against Australia on October 20 in Bengaluru and against Afghanistan on October 23 in Chennai.

"Australia in Bengaluru and Afghanistan in Chennai are the two which we should look to get changed as much as possible," the PCB's internal note said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

"Ideally, we can switch these around. Australia in Chennai and Afghanistan in Bengaluru would make us obvious favourites in both matches."

The same report also added that the BCCI are planning to announce the World Cup 2023 schedule on June 27, which will be 100 days from the start of the tournament on October 25.

Apart from the Australia and Afghanistan clash, Pakistan also want the venue for the clash against hosts India on October 15 to be moved out of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

"India in Ahmedabad will be advantageous to them, but I doubt that's going to change considering what that venue means for the BCCI and what this match means for the World Cup," the PCB note added.

The PCB are also critical about the two games the team will play in Kolkata. The Pakistan team say they will be comfortable playing in Lucknow or Chennai against England.

"Lucknow would also be a good ground for us considering the overall numbers there. Delhi against most teams would be good for us too. If there is a third change we can make it to get the England game to Lucknow or Chennai," the note added.