Due to security concerns, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 warm-up match between Pakistan and New Zealand on 29 September 2023 in Hyderabad will be played without a crowd.
The organizers took this decision, and the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) would help fans who had bought tickets for the game get their money back through their ticketing partner.
A BCCI representative reportedly said, “The game will be played without spectators and those who have booked their tickets, their money will be refunded,” as quoted by the Indian media outlet ‘Indian Express’.
In particular, due to events like Ganesh Visarjan and Mila-Un-Nabi happening on 28 September 2023, Hyderabad police have raised concerns regarding security. They had asked for the game to be postponed, but because of the already crammed schedule, it was agreed to play it in the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium behind closed doors.
Two World Cup 2023 pool games featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and the Netherlands set for 9 October 2023 and October 10 in Hyderabad have drawn similar security concerns.
For each game, a sizable police presence will be present to maintain security. Additionally, the Pakistan team’s hotel will have increased security measures in place.
Fans won’t be allowed to witness the Pakistan versus New Zealand World Cup 2023 warm-up game on 29 September 2023, which will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
The match will be played behind closed doors due to security reasons, as Ganesh Visarjan and Milad-Un-Nabi happen to be on the same day before the high-profile game.
Although fans will be disappointed, top sources have indicated that the decision has been taken considering the safety of citizens and crowd management.
“There has been a discussion, but unfortunately, enough security can’t be provided with the Ganesh Visarjan and Milad-Un-Nabi that fall on September 28,” a top source from the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) told Sportstar.
Although the warm-up game won’t be packed with spectators, the teams won’t be facing any issues. Sportstar understands that the HCA has chalked out the nitty-gritty of the teams and that a blueprint is in place for the smooth conduct of the World Cup matches.
Fans won’t be allowed to witness the Pakistan versus New Zealand World Cup 2023 warm-up game on 29 September 2023, which will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
The match will be played behind closed doors due to security reasons, as Ganesh Visarjan and Milad-Un-Nabi happen to be on the same day before the high-profile game.
Although fans will be disappointed, top sources have indicated that the decision has been taken considering the safety of citizens and crowd management.
“There has been a discussion, but unfortunately, enough security can’t be provided with the Ganesh Visarjan and Milad-Un-Nabi that fall on 28 September 2023,” a top source from the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) told Sportstar.
Although the warm-up game won’t be packed with spectators, the teams won’t be facing any issues. Sportstar understands that the HCA has chalked out the nitty-gritty of the teams and that a blueprint is in place for the smooth conduct of the World Cup matches.
HCA Impasse: Keen for an early end to the whole process, says Durga Prasad
“We are in touch with the BCCI and we are confident of conducting the World Cup matches. The stadium and everything that involves executing the matches have been covered,” the source said.
“HCA will give its best and we will ensure that the public will enjoy the matches, As far as World Cup preparations are concerned, we are ready.”
The first week of October will witness the city bustling with fans from different parts of the country as well as abroad, and the stadium will witness hectic movement with back-to-back day and night games on 9 October 2023 and 10 October 2023.
“From the security angle, there won’t be any compromise. We have already checked out the details, and the matches will happen as per schedule,” the source said.
Along with New Zealand and Pakistan on 29th September 2023 in Hyderabad, Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in Guwahati, while Afghanistan will meet South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram.