‘They are now in mess’: Ex-PCB chief Najam Sethi takes brutal dig at BCCI over World Cup schedule chaos

After a long-awaited announcement in June, the BCCI and ICC have made changes to the World Cup schedule, affecting nine matches in the upcoming cricket event. One notable change is the rescheduling of the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match due to security concerns in Ahmedabad. Originally set for October 15, the clash will now take place on October 14 at the same venue.

This alteration has caused a ripple effect, leading to the rescheduling of Pakistan’s match against Sri Lanka from October 12 to October 10 in Hyderabad. The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has also accommodated the New Zealand versus Netherlands match on October 9. However, this compact schedule has raised concerns for the state board.

An official, speaking to PTI, expressed worries about hosting back-to-back World Cup games. They emphasized the need for a one-day break between fixtures to address logistical and security considerations. Another change in the schedule would create a logistical nightmare and invite criticism from fans and the cricket community. Speculation about further rescheduling is growing, and the former head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took the opportunity to make a harsh comment about the BCCI.

Sethi, who assumed the role of chairperson of the managing committee after Ramiz Raja’s dismissal as PCB chairman last year, recently reiterated his previous counsel to the BCCI. This serves as a reminder of the valuable guidance he provided during his tenure.

“@BCCI should have taken my advice re @TheRealPCB playing their WC games in a neutral country 🙂 They are now in a mess with schedule tweaks being proposed every few days!” wrote Sethi.

@BCCI should have taken my advice re @TheRealPCB playing their WC games in a neutral country 🙂 They are now in a mess with schedule tweaks being proposed every few days!

— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) August 20, 2023

Previously, the HCA official suggested that it would be beneficial to modify the schedule once more. However, it is important to note that there is currently no confirmation regarding this proposed change.

“I can’t say it would be changed for sure but back to back games are not ideal. I mean if they (BCCI) are reconsidering that will be well in good. We will have to work with security agencies.

“Anyone would want a day in between two World Cup games. We are still engaging with security agencies to see if it is possible or not. At the same time we are also keeping BCCI in the loop. The BCCI is completely aware of what we are trying to do,” said an HCA official to PTI on condition of anonymity.

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