Ahmedabad's historic rivalry match sparked a surge in bookings, with hotels and hospitals fully booked as fans eagerly anticipated the intense cricket contest
PHOTO: AFP
The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 15, will likely be rescheduled due to Navratri celebrations which will led to security concerns.
As per media reports, the proposed match date falls on the first day of Navratri, a significant and widely celebrated festival in Gujarat, including the host city of Ahmedabad.
Security agencies have expressed concerns about holding such a high-profile game on this auspicious occasion, citing potential challenges in managing the massive influx of fans and ensuring the safety and security of the attendees.
Officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have acknowledged the security agencies' advice and are considering various options to address the situation.
"We are mulling the options that we have, and a decision in this regard will be taken soon. We have been told by the security agencies that a high-profile game like India vs. Pakistan, for which thousands of traveling fans are expected to reach Ahmedabad, should be avoided since they will be stretched because of Navratri," said a top BCCI official.
The anticipation and excitement around this historic rivalry match have led to a surge in bookings across Ahmedabad. Most hotels in the city are reportedly over-booked, with fans and spectators eager to witness the intense contest between the two cricketing giants. Even hospitals in the city are said to be fully booked in preparation for any potential medical emergencies during the blockbuster match.
Additionally, there has been a significant surge in airfares to Ahmedabad around the date, as fans from both countries plan to travel to witness the clash live.