The long-awaited ICC World Cup 2023 is set to kick off tomorrow (October 5, 2023) with a highly anticipated clash between reigning champions, England, and runner-up, New Zealand, at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ten teams from across the globe will compete in this year’s Cricket World Cup, with five teams from Asia. India, a passionate cricketing nation, is playing host to what is anticipated to be the most memorable World Cup in history. Hundreds of millions of fans worldwide are expected to follow the World Cup through television broadcasts and streaming platforms, while hundreds of thousands more will witness the action live from the grounds in various states across India. Tigers arrive in Dharamshala for their first World Cup encounter Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India is considered one of the top contenders for the title, along with defending champions England and the formidable New Zealand. Pakistan and Australia are also strong challengers on the road to the championship. West Indies and Zimbabwe, two Test-playing nations, failed to make it to the World Cup.  Bangladesh boasts a formidable squad, led by Shakib Al Hasan, entering the tournament as the number one ODI all-rounder, for this edition of the Cricket World Cup. Total absence from warm-ups fuels concern over Shakib's fitness The Bangladesh squad is a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talents. Alongside Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim is set to participate in his fifth World Cup. Litton Das, Mustafizur Rahman, and Taskin Ahmed bring their wealth of World Cup experience to form a formidable force. In the lead-up to the World Cup, Bangladesh suffered a home series loss to New Zealand, marking their first defeat to the Blackcaps on home soil in 15 years. The Tigers, however, secured a victory in their first official warm-up match against Sri Lanka before falling short in the second match against England. Bangladesh will kick off their campaign against Afghanistan on October 7 in Dharamshala. Subsequently, they will face England at the same venue on October 10. During the round-robin phase, Bangladesh is scheduled to play a total of nine matches in the World Cup. Following these matches, the top four teams with the highest points will progress to the semifinals. The winners of the semifinals will vie for the championship on November 19 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Bangladesh fall to England in final warm-up before World Cup Some big matches:  While every match in the World Cup holds immense significance, certain matchups are expected to draw heightened attention from fans: - England vs New Zealand on October 5 in Ahmedabad - India vs Australia on October 8 in Chennai - Pakistan vs Sri Lanka on October 10 in Hyderabad - Australia vs South Africa on October 12 in Lucknow - India vs Pakistan on October 14 in Ahmedabad - India vs Bangladesh on October 19 in Pune - Australia vs Pakistan on October 20 in Bengaluru - India vs New Zealand on October 22 in Dharamsala - South Africa vs Bangladesh on October 24 in Mumbai - Australia vs New Zealand on October 28 in Dharamsala - Bangladesh vs Pakistan on October 31 in Kolkata - New Zealand vs Pakistan on November 4 in Bengaluru - England vs Australia on November 4 in Ahmedabad - Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka on November 6 in Delhi - Bangladesh vs Australia on November 11 in Pune. Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Tickets: How to Buy Online, Booking, Prices, Starting Dates and Timings

Set to take place in India, the 13th edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup tournament is scheduled to kick off on October 5 and end on November 19, 2023. The 48 matches of the 2023 World Cup will take place in 10 venues across India. The stadiums are located in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Dharamshala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Pune. Let’s get to know the details about each venue. 10 Stadiums in India to Host the ICC World Cup 2023  Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium, located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, is a renowned cricket stadium known for its magnificence and record-breaking capacity. Formerly known as Motera Stadium, it was renamed in 2021 in honour of the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, who served as president of the Gujarat Cricket Association from 2009 to 2014 and the chief minister of the state from 2001 to 2014.  The stadium boasts a massive seating capacity of 132,000 spectators, making it the largest cricket stadium in the world. Established in 1982, it has witnessed numerous historic events, including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup quarterfinal between India and Australia and the pink-ball Test match between India and England in 2021. With its state-of-the-art facilities and awe-inspiring infrastructure, Narendra Modi Stadium continues to be a symbol of cricketing excellence. The final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is scheduled to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium on November 19, 2023.  Read more: How to get an Indian Tourist Visa from Bangladesh M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, is a prestigious cricket stadium that has left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape. Previously known as the Karnataka State Cricket Association Stadium and later renamed after M. Chinnaswamy, a former president (served from 1977 to 1980) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the stadium is renowned for its electric atmosphere and obsessive fans. With a seating capacity of around 40,000 spectators, it provides an intimate yet vibrant setting for cricket matches. Established in 1969, the stadium has witnessed several significant events, including Afghanistan’s first test match and memorable Indian Premier League (IPL) encounters. Read more: How to Apply for Indian Medical Visa from Bangladesh M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai M. A. Chidambaram Stadium is a renowned cricket stadium known for its rich history and cricketing culture. With a seating capacity of around 50,000 spectators, it is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Established in 1916, it has hosted numerous significant events, including Test matches, ODIs, and IPL matches. The stadium has witnessed three World Cups in 1987, 1996, and 2011. M. A. Chidambaram Stadium continues to be a cherished venue for cricket enthusiasts and remains an iconic symbol of the sport in Chennai. Read more: Chennai Travel Guide: Amazing Places to See and Fun Things to Do Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi Arun Jaitley Stadium, formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, is a renowned cricket stadium situated in New Delhi, the capital city of India. Named after the late Arun Jaitley, a prominent Indian politician and former president of the Delhi & District Cricket Association, the stadium stands as a fitting tribute to his contributions to Indian cricket. With a seating capacity of approximately 41,842 spectators, Arun Jaitley Stadium provides an exhilarating atmosphere for cricket matches. Established in 1883, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest cricket venues in India. This ground witnessed remarkable performances and memorable moments, such as Anil Kumble’s iconic 10 wickets in a test inning against Pakistan in 1999 and Hemu Adhikari and Ghulam Ahmed’s record tenth wicket stand of 111 runs in 1952. Read more: Tips to Prevent Food Poisoning while Travelling HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India, stands as a picturesque cricket venue. With a capacity of around 23,000 spectators, this stadium offers a serene and awe-inspiring backdrop for cricket matches. Built in 2003, it is a relatively new addition to the cricket scene but has swiftly gained recognition for its unique location and excellent facilities. The HPCA Stadium has hosted several notable matches, including international encounters and IPL matches. Cricketers and fans enjoy the breathtaking views, cool climate, and vibrant atmosphere that make watching a match here a truly memorable experience. Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad Located in Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana state in India, the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium stands as a modern and impressive cricket venue. Named in honour of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, this stadium holds a capacity of approximately 55,000 spectators. Read more: Shopping in Kathmandu: What to Buy and Where to Buy from It was built in 2003; it is a relatively young stadium that has quickly gained recognition for its state-of-the-art facilities and excellent playing conditions. It has witnessed remarkable moments, such as Sachin Tendulkar’s 17,000 runs in ODI. Eden Gardens, Kolkata Eden Gardens, situated in the bustling city of Kolkata, West Bengal, India, is an iconic cricket stadium with a rich history and a passionate fan base. With a staggering capacity of around 68,000 spectators, it is one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world.