ICC World Cup 2023: Hyderabad Cricket Association Requests BCCI To Reschedule Warm-Up Match Due To Security Concerns - Reports

The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) reportedly requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reschedule the warm-up match in the ODI World Cup 2023. The HCA expressed concerns over the security for the warm-up match between Pakistan and New Zealand.

The Babar Azam-led team is set to take on the Black Caps on September 29 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal. However, the match overlaps with the Ganesh Visarjan and Milad-Un-Nabi festivals, which culminate on September 28, potentially impacting security.

Hyderabad Set To Host Back-To-Back Games

The HCA will host back-to-back matches in the World Cup as per the revised schedule. New Zealand will face off against the Netherlands in the group stage match on October 9 in Hyderabad. Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka on the subsequent day, which was initially scheduled for October 12.

As per The Indian Express, the HCA has sent an email to the BCCI requesting the rescheduling of the warm-up match due to security concerns. They reiterated their plea to the BCCI after the request was prompted for the sale of tickets for World Cup games, including the warm-up matches.

The Hyderabad Cricket Association expressed dissatisfaction with the BCCI’s lack of communication and the absence of an official letter containing the revised schedule. The report added that the HCA hasn’t received proper communication from the India Board regarding their request.

The HCA officials are struggling to persuade local authorities, who are requesting official letters from the ICC or BCCI regarding the revised schedule. While the Indian Board sent a confirmation letter for the initial schedule in June, there has been no communication since then.

Local authorities have informed HCA to reconsider hosting the back-to-back games due to security concerns. The police will deploy a significant number of officers, including around 3,000 for one match, to ensure the security of the Pakistani team and handle complex security arrangements.

Also read: ICC World Cup 2023: HCA Requests BCCI To Change Schedule As Hyderabad Police Can’t Provide Security On Two Consecutive Days