The Pakistan vs New Zealand Warm-up Match for the ODI World Cup 2023 in Hyderabad will be conducted without any spectators, as the doors to the stadium will remain closed to fans.
The Pakistan vs New Zealand warm-up match for the 2023 ODI World Cup is scheduled for September 29 at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, but it will be devoid of spectators, as per an Indian Express report. This security measure is being taken due to insufficient police resources during the festive season. In preparation for the ODI World Cup commencing on October 5, all ten participating teams will engage in warm-up matches.
“The game will be played without spectators and those who have booked their tickets, their money will be refunded,” a BCCI source told Indian Express.
According to the report, the BCCI plans to engage in discussions with Bookmyshow, the official ticketing partner for the World Cup, regarding the reimbursement of ticket costs for those who had previously purchased tickets for the Pakistan vs New Zealand warm-up encounter. Simultaneously, the Hyderabad Police has conveyed to the state Cricket Association that they cannot furnish sufficient security due to coinciding festivals, Ganesh Visarjan and Milan-Un-Nabi, culminating on September 28.
Earlier, the HCA had appealed to the cricket board for a schedule adjustment because local law enforcement had reservations about deploying personnel on consecutive match days. However, the BCCI declined the request, citing recent schedule modifications.
In a scheduling adjustment, the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan ODI World Cup showdown, originally slated for October 15, was moved up to October 14. The decision was necessitated by Navratri commencing on October 15, with widespread Garba night celebrations in Gujarat, drawing massive crowds. The rescheduling of this marquee clash led to further alterations in the ICC’s World Cup schedule.
Specifically, India’s final league match against the Netherlands, initially set for a day-night clash in Bengaluru on November 11, was rescheduled to November 12.
This change also impacted the timing of defending champions England’s match against Afghanistan at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, which will now take place 24 hours later in October.
Last Updated on September 19, 2023
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