- September 19, 2023
Pakistan vs. New Zealand World Cup Warm-Up Game to be Played Behind Closed Doors Due to Security Concerns
In a surprising turn of events, the upcoming World Cup warm-up match between Pakistan and New Zealand, scheduled for September 29, will be held without spectators. This decision has been attributed to a lack of sufficient security coverage, stemming from a schedule clash with festive events, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that it will instruct its ticketing partner, Bookmyshow, to refund the money to those who had already purchased tickets for the game.
A BCCI official confirmed, “The game will be played without spectators, and those who have booked their tickets will receive a refund.”
The Hyderabad City Police had requested the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) to consider postponing the match due to their inability to provide adequate security, as they are committed to managing the Ganesh Visarjan and Milan-Un-Nabi festivals, which conclude on September 28. However, due to prior scheduling adjustments, the organizers were unable to accommodate the request. Consequently, it has been decided that no spectators will be allowed to attend the match.
This development follows earlier concerns raised by security agencies regarding two consecutive World Cup 2023 league games scheduled at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. The match on October 10 features Pakistan and Sri Lanka, while the game on October 9 involves New Zealand and the Netherlands. Approximately 3,000 police personnel will be deployed for each game, with a significant presence also planned at the hotel where the Pakistan team will be accommodated.
The BCCI and relevant authorities are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all stakeholders during the upcoming World Cup matches, even as logistical challenges are addressed.
