After the conclusion of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the clash between India and Australia in a five-match T20I series set to commence on Thursday, November 23. However, recent reports suggest that there are modifications to the original schedule, with the final two venues likely to be changed from Nagpur and Hyderabad to Raipur and Bengaluru.
The alterations are attributed to upcoming elections and vote counting in various state assemblies, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reconsider the venues. Although an official announcement from the BCCI is pending, Cricket Australia (CA) has already been informed about the proposed changes.
According to sources, construction work in the Nagpur stadium in Jamtha is underway, rendering it unavailable for the scheduled match. The BCCI had initially planned to host a senior T20I women’s tournament at the venue, but the lack of floodlights forced them to relocate the event.
As a result, the match initially slated for Friday, December 01, is now expected to take place in Raipur. The Chhattisgarh Cricket Association (CSA) has been duly informed about this change.
In another development, the Hyderabad Cricket Association has confirmed that the Telangana State Government might be unable to provide adequate security for the fifth match scheduled for December 03. Consequently, the venue is likely to be shifted to Bengaluru.
Interestingly, Cuttack was also considered for hosting rights, but the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) secured the bid.
Significantly, this five-match series marks the commencement of the Men in Blue’s preparation for the T20I World Cup 2024, scheduled to be held in the USA and the West Indies. In a strategic move, several senior players from the ongoing World Cup are expected to be rested for the series, paving the way for a team composed mainly of young talents.