Punjab Sports Minister writes to BCCI following Mohali’s exclusion from list of World Cup venues

I.S.Bindra stadium, Mohali. (Photo Source: Twitter/BCCI)

Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer has written to the BCCI following the exclusion of Mohali from the host cities in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Notably, the BCCI and ICC released the schedule of the eagerly-anticipated event on June 27, with the tournament set to be held in India during October-November.

Following the announcement of the schedule, Singh expressed his disappointment in a letter addressed to BCCI president Roger Binny and secretary Jay Shah, questioning the criteria of allotment of the venues and seeking reasons behind Mohali’s exclusion from the same. He further insisted that the changes in norms must be brought to light.

“Any change made in the norms at present should also be brought to light as the India-Australia International T20 match was played in September 2022. Besides, ODI World Cup matches including two Semi Finals were also played in the past,” he wrote in his letter as quoted by News18.

“PCA Stadium Mohali is not only one of the top stadiums in India but also comes in the list of prominent stadiums in the world. Mohali is always the first choice of cricket fans. Mohali has an international airport and the city also has better infrastructure and adequate hotels for the teams to stay,” he added.

As many as 10 cities have been confirmed to host the 2023 ODI World Cup in India with two additional venues for the warm-up matches. Notably, the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali hosted three fixtures in the 2011 World Cup, which India co-hosted with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Speaking about the schedule, India play their first match against five-time winners Australia on October 8. Meanwhile, defending champions England and New Zealand will play the curtain raiser at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5. The high-voltage clash between the arch-rivals India and Pakistan will be played on October 15 in Ahmedabad.