After lots of chaos & speculations, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has finally opened up about Tickets distribution in World Cup 2023. He confirmed that there is no e-ticket facility available for the marquee event. He made it clear that fans will have to retain physical tickets & ensured that the Physical ticket redemptions will be available at 7 to 8 centers in advance of the fixture.
BCCI conducted a crucial meeting with the state associations participating in World Cup 2023 on July 27 to discuss some crucial matters. The highlight of the discussion was the change in World Cup 2023 Schedule. During the meeting, Shah also discussed crucial topics such as ticket sales for the marquee event, water & safety facilities during the fixtures, India’s upcoming series & tours, and Bumrah’s return.
Let’s have a look at some major points discussed during the BCCI meeting.
1) No E-Tickets for World Cup 2023? Read to Know Why?
Jay Shah made it clear that E-tickets will not be available for the World Cup 2023. He said that the BCCI wants to introduce E-Tickets first in Bilateral Series first. Shah said that they can’t accept the issuance of E-Tickets at this moment. But they will make sure to have physical ticket redemption at 7-8 centers in advance. However, physical ticket needs to be retained.
Further explaining the reason for not introducing E-Tickets for World Cup 2023, Shah said that it will become difficult for them to manage E-Ticket at a high capacity venue such as Ahmedabad & Lucknow.
World Cup 2023 will kickstart in a few months & details regarding the booking of tickets are yet to be released. Speaking about the same Jay Shah said that the board along with ICC will soon release the details of ticking bookings.
“We engaged in discussions with the state associations regarding ticketing matters today. A majority of the associations submitted their manifests, with a few still in the process of preparing theirs. We granted them until Monday to resolve any pending issues. Subsequently, the ICC and BCCI will collaborate to release ticket pricing details and other relevant information. Additionally, the ticketing partner selection is nearing completion.”
2) Return of Jasprit Bumrah in the ODI World Cup 2023
Jay Shah gave a big Update on the Return of Jasprit Bumrah. He said that the ace fast bowler has attained full fitness & could travel with team India to Ireland for the T20I series. This comes as a major boost for the Indian setup who were missing the services of India’s lethal spearhead.
3) Changes in World Cup 2023 Schedule on Cards
Jay also highlighted that there could be changes in the original schedule of the ODI World Cup 2023. As per the reports three full member nations have written to BCCI requesting a change in schedule due to logistics reasons. Acting upon the request the BCCI along with ICC will make changes to the World Cup Schedule.
Shah clarified that only the dates & timings of fixtures will be changed but the venues will remain the same. He also said that BCCI & ICC are in discussion & new changed schedule will be released in the next 2-3 days.
No confirmation of the change in the IND vs PAK fixture
A few days back Sportsermon reported that IND vs PAK fixture will be shifted from 15th October to 14th October. As it will be the first day of Navratri & local police have raised concerns with BCCI regarding sufficient security during that day.
However, when Jay Shah was questioned that is security is the reason behind the rescheduling of the ODI World Cup 2023. He dismissed the reason & said that if security was the issue then the fixture would not be conducted in Ahmedabad.
Jay Shah said,
“If security concerns were indeed a problem, the decision to hold the match in Ahmedabad might be questioned. The dates of October 14-15 are not the primary issue. However, a few cricket boards have expressed their request for a change due to logistical challenges. Specifically, in some instances, there is only a two-day gap between matches, making it challenging to play, travel the following day, and then play again.”
5) Free Drinking water during the Fixtures
Jay Shah also revealed that the BCCI will work towards providing free drinking water to fans during the World Cup 2023 fixtures. He said that the BCCI has a tie-up with Coca-Cola who are also an Official Partner of ICC. So they are in talks with Coca-Cola who is Coca-Cola’s Packaged Water brand Kinley in the stadiums during the fixture.
He further said that whether packaged water bottles or water in glass will be distributed is not yet fixed. But whatever the situation is the water will be free for the spectators.
This comes as a major move for fans who stay for long hours in stands supporting their favorite teams after buying expensive tickets. And yet doesn’t get basic necessities like water for free.
6) Importance of Hygiene during World Cup 2023 Fixtures
Shah also assured the installation of clean & hygienic toilets across the stadiums hosting World Cup 2023 fixtures. He emphasized that their top priorities for the marquee event include providing fans with easy access to clean and hygienic toilets
7) IND A will tour SA A, England A to tour India
During the bCCI meeting, Jay Shah also opened up on the Indian team’s future tours after the end of World Cup 2023. As per the BCCI secretary after the conclusion of the marquee event, India A will tour South Africa for their series against SA A. After the conclusion of ‘A tour’ the Senior Indian team will begin their South Africa Tour. He also marked that England Lions will come to India before their five-match test series against India A. Jay clearly stated the shadow tours that happened in December 2022 will be repeated this year also.
8) BCCI will not appeal to ICC against Harmanpreet’s Suspension
During BCCI special meet, Shah also opened up about Harmanpreet Kaur’s suspension. He said that BCCI’s President Roger Binny & NCA Chief VVS Laxman will speak to Harmanpreet about her aggressive behavior during the BAN vs IND 3rd ODI. He also said that the board will not appeal to ICC for revoking Kaur’s suspension. And Kau will have to answer for her aggressive behavior during the third ODI.
These are some highlights of the BCCI meeting held on July 27 for discussing the ODI World Cup 2023. Do you think the Change in the World Cup Schedule & No- Availability of E-Tickets is a good move by the BCCI & ICC? Share with us your valuable answers!
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