Amid protests over the venue selection for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) clarified why the Mohali venue was not considered to host the mega tournament. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla revealed that the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali does not meet ICC standards while the work on the Mullanpur Stadium is underway.
When the ICC and BCCI announced the detailed schedule for the 50-over World Cup starting October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Mohali and Indore were among those historic missing venues. Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hair criticized the BCCI for ignoring Mohali and also accused them of bringing politics into sports.
It is reported that several state officials have expressed their dismay at the BCCI’s decision to ignore the historical sites. However, Rajeev Shukla pointed out that Mohali’s venue does not meet ICC’s standards as ICC’s consent is important while finalizing venues. He also informed that Mohali hosted Virat KohliLast year marked the historic 100th Test match as international matches would be rotated between venues.
Rajeev Shukla told ANI, “Virat Kohli gave the 100th Test to Mohali last year. Mullanpur Stadium in Mohali is getting ready. If it was ready, they would have got a World Cup match.” “The existing stadium in Mohali did not meet ICC standards and hence they were denied matches. But that does not mean they will not be given matches. Bilateral series matches will be given to them, it is based on a rotational system “
“There has been no ‘pick and choose’. ICC’s consent is crucial in finalizing the venues. Warm-up matches have been given for the first time in Trivandrum. Not that any centre/region has been overlooked The stadiums are chosen after a lot of deliberation, even in the North East zone, Guwahati gets the matches. A lot of adjustments have been made in the schedule.’