NEW DELHI: The World Cup warm-up match between Pakistan and New Zealand scheduled for September 29 in Hyderabad India will be played behind closed doors due to security concerns. No fans will be allowed to watch the match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
According to an Indian news agency, the Hyderabad Police had requested the Hyderabad Cricket Association to reschedule fixtures as they needed to provide security for the Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi (S.A.W) and Ganesh Visarjan festivals, which conclude on September 28.
However, their request for a schedule adjustment was denied, as the original itinerary had already been significantly altered, resulting in the rescheduling of nine matches. As a result, the Pakistan-New Zealand match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium will be played without spectators. The Indian Cricket Board BCCI has confirmed the development saying those who have booked their tickets, will receive refunds.
Pakistan’s World Cup Fixtures Rescheduled
It’s worth noting that Pakistan’s three ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 fixtures have also been rescheduled. The Pakistan-India match, originally set for October 15 in Ahmedabad, will now take place a day earlier at the same venue. The Pakistan-Sri Lanka match in Hyderabad has been moved from October 12 to October 10. Additionally, Babar Azam’s team will face defending champions England in Kolkata on November 11 instead of November 12.
