New Delhi: Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, has been overlooked as a venue for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sources cited the need to have a balanced distribution of matches across the country, which led to the selection of other venues in the southern region, such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
“There are matches in the south like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and the total number of venues has to be 10. We cannot concentrate everything in the south,” a BCCI source explained.
The tournament, featuring ten teams, will be held across 10 venues from October 5 to November 19, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosting both the opening match and the final. A total of 48 matches will be played over the course of 46 days, showcasing the pinnacle of international cricket.
Expressing disappointment, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor voiced his opinion, stating that Thiruvananthapuram, along with Mohali and Ranchi, should have been given the opportunity to host World Cup matches. Tharoor criticized the decision, claiming that it was a significant oversight on the part of the BCCI.
“It’s a long tournament. They could have spread the joy a little better. Thiruvananthapuram, Mohali, and Ranchi should have been given an opportunity to hold a World Cup match. It is not necessary for any one venue to get 4-5 matches. This is a big mistake on the part of BCCI,” Tharoor remarked.
In response to Tharoor’s comments, a BCCI source suggested that if Tharoor is keen on having matches in Kerala, efforts should be made to transfer the stadium’s control to the state association, as it is currently under the management of IL&FS. The source questioned why the BCCI should take on the additional burden of acquiring extra permissions.
“If Tharoor is so keen to get a match in Kerala, can he first get the stadium under the control of the state association? Why is it under the control of ILFS, and why should the BCCI take the headache of getting extra permissions?” the BCCI source retorted.
The source further explained that although other countries have fewer venues, the ICC granted India a greater number due to its size. The BCCI acknowledged that it is impossible to please everyone with the selection process.
The opening match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, featuring defending champions England and runners-up New Zealand, is scheduled to take place on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await this prestigious event that will captivate fans worldwide and showcase the best of the sport on the grandest stage.
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