(Web Desk) – The upcoming ICC T20 World Cup schedule has been announced, placing Pakistan and India in the same group. The high-octane clash between the arch-rivals is expected to be held on June 9.
The tournament, spanning June 4 to 30 in the United States and the West Indies, will host a total of 20 teams initially sorted into four groups.
According to the reports, Pakistan and India share their group with Ireland, Canada, and the hosts, the United States. Most matches involving Pakistan's group in the initial round are set to be held in the United States.
Pakistan's first game is against the USA on June 6, followed by the highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals India in New York on June 9. The match against Canada is slated for June 11 in New York, while the encounter with Ireland will take place in Florida on June 16.
Post the first round, the top two teams from each group move on to the Super Eight round, divided into two groups.
The ICC has circulated the schedule to cricket boards and broadcasters for feedback and approval, aiming to release the final schedule soon.
Reports hint that due to time zone differences between the USA and the sub-continent, there's a possibility of rescheduling the Pakistan-India match a day earlier. With New York being ten hours behind Pakistan, an afternoon match there would air late at night in Pakistan.
Shifting the match to June 8 (Saturday) is being considered to ensure optimal viewership and avoid inconvenience.