As the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 approaches, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is diligently finalizing the tournament schedule. To ensure the smooth execution of the event, a reconnaissance team from the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been dispatched. Comprising security, events, and broadcast experts, the team’s primary mission is to assess all 12 venues that will host the matches, including those designated for the warm-up games.
The comprehensive assessment commenced at the renowned Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and has progressed to various locations across the country. On July 25, the ICC team visited Mumbai and expressed contentment with the meticulous preparations at the Wankhede Stadium. Amol Kale, the MCA president, shared positive feedback, stating, “They are extremely happy with our planning; the only thing left to address from our side is the ticketing issue. We have called an Apex Council meeting on Monday to decide on pricing, and we will inform the BCCI accordingly.”
Following the successful inspection in Mumbai, the ICC team continued its evaluations in the southern part of India. On July 26, they visited the historic Chepauk stadium in Chennai, and on July 27, the Trivandrum stadium, which will be hosting the warm-up games. Officials from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) expressed satisfaction with the facilities at Chepauk, stating, “They seemed satisfied with our facilities. We look forward to hearing from them if they have anything in mind. They will write to us.”
However, the reconnaissance team did suggest a few modifications for the corporate boxes and player areas at the Trivandrum ground, according to a member of the Kerala Cricket Association. This proactive feedback indicates the ICC’s commitment to ensuring an exceptional experience for players, spectators, and other stakeholders during the tournament.
On Friday, the ICC team concluded their visit to the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Fortunately, no apparent issues were reported at this venue, providing further reassurance about its readiness for the upcoming World Cup matches.
With the inspections and assessments nearing completion, the ICC team will be compiling their findings and communicating any necessary recommendations to the respective cricket associations and the BCCI. The valuable insights garnered from these visits will be instrumental in guaranteeing a successful and memorable ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.