2019 ICC World Cup: England to Face South Africa in an Opener on May 30, 2019

Hosts England will play the inaugural match of 2019 World Cup against South Africa, as per the schedule released by world governing body ICC. The two sides will meet on May 30, 2019, in the curtain raiser of the biggest cricketing event.

On the other hand, India will meet Pakistan on June 16. The two sides met in ICC Champions Trophy last summer in England. India will be looking forward to get their revenge after their loss in final.

The two sides have not been meeting regularly through bilateral series. This will further attract the spectators to view the spectacle.

ICC have reduced the participating nations to just 10 for the upcoming edition.

Both Windies and Afghanistan have already qualified apart from the eight top-ranked sides in One-day International rankings.

Across 11 venues in England and Wales, 48 matches in 46 days will be played in the mega event.

All the ten teams will be placed in a single group. Only the top four teams at the end of round robin league will be qualified for semi-finals.

Defending champions Australia will start their campaign against Afghanistan on June 2. Whereas, India will begin their campaign against South Africa on June 5 in Southampton.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested a 15-day window between IPL 12 and first World Cup game.

David Richardson Officially Announced Schedule:

In addition, ICC chief executive David Richardson announced the schedule for the 2019 ICC World Cup.

Moreover, Richardson expressed his delight over hosting the tournament next year.

“It’s always an exciting moment ahead of any major event to announce the schedule and for the ICC Cricket World Cup,” said ICC chief executive David Richardson.

“Next summer fans around the world will be treated to compelling and competitive cricket as the best teams in the world go head to head in this round-robin format for the right to be crowned World Champions,” he added.

“This schedule also gives fans across England and Wales the opportunity to watch world-class cricket on their doorstep with all teams moving around the country. We know from previous ICC events that every country will be proudly supported at each of the venues creating an exceptional atmosphere and a real celebration of the game,” Richardson concludes.

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