June 16, 2019, shall be the day when every Indian and every Pakistani will keenly turn to their nearest TV set to catch the cricketing action live. The next day papers shall be full of how this was the highest TRP ever achieved in the history of TV and perhaps also the highest online viewers for internet channels as well. On 16th June, India will play against Pakistan at the Old Trafford in a round-robin match of the ICC World Cup 2019. The full schedule of the World Cup will be released tomorrow.
The two neighboring countries which are often at a war against each other have refused to engage in a bi-lateral series due to reasons other than cricket. This means that the only time to see these two in action is at an ICC event. ICC has made full use of the opportunity and never misses on having an India-Pakistan clash in any of its global events.
Yesterday, ICC announced the major clashed and unveiled the 11 venues that will be used during the World Cup. The World Cup 2019 shall open with the host England taking on South Africa at the Oval on 30th May. The Final of the World Cup shall be played at the historic ground of Lord’s on 14th July. There will be a total of 48 matches played across 46 days.
The much-criticised format of the tournament features 10 teams which include two qualifiers in Afghanistan and West Indies and the other eight full members. Full members include Australia, England (Host), Bangladesh, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan. There will be a total of seven day-night matches played. Also the semi-finals and final will have reserve days.
India will play its first match on 5th June against South Africa at Southhampton. India will be the last team to be seen in action since BCCI specially requested ICC to delay the match as to recuperate from IPL rigors.
India and Pakistan shall play their match at the same ground where they met in the 1999 World Cup Super Six stage. India is till date unbeaten against Pakistan in the six World Cup matches that they have played so far.
