BCCI Drops Confirmation On Pakistan vs New Zealand World Cup Warm-Up Game Being Played Behind Closed Doors

Pakistan vs New Zealand World Cup warm-up match, which is set to be played on September 29, will be played behind closed doors due to the advice of local security agencies in Hyderabad, confirmed the BCCI on Monday.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is going to start on 5th October 2023 in India. Before the start of the World Cup teams are scheduled to play warm-up matches to adapt to the situation.

The warm-up match between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played behind closed doors due to the advice of local security agencies as they were unsure of the preparations for the game due to a local festival on the same day as the match. The press release by the BCCI stated that this decision was being taken because that game coincides with a local festival. It also stated that the fans who have already booked their tickets for the game will get their refunds due to the cancellation.

“The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 warm-up match between New Zealand and Pakistan scheduled to take place in Hyderabad on 29^th September will now take place behind closed doors as per the advice of the local security agencies. The match in Hyderabad coincides with festivals on the day and large gatherings are expected around the city. The spectators who bought tickets for the game will receive a full refund,” BCCI stated.

Pakistan Granted Visas For The World Cup 2023

Earlier, there was a visa concern for the Pakistan team which was resolved. Members of the Pakistan cricket team were issued Indian visas for the Cricket World Cup on Monday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed, hours after the PCB raised concerns with the ICC over the delay.

”Visas have been issued to Pakistan,” an ICC spokesperson told PTI.

Despite that, confusion remained in the Pakistan camp over the grant of visas.

”We have not got the call from the Indian High Commission yet over visa clearance. Member of our team is stationed there,” PCB spokesperson Umar Farooq told PTI.

Pakistan are going to start their World Cup campaign on October 6 against the Netherlands. The team will face their arch-rival India on October 14 at the world’s biggest stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium. The team recently suffered a blow as pacer Naseem Shah got ruled from the World Cup due to injury.