World Cup warm-up match between Pakistan and New Zealand in Hyderabad to be played without spectators in attendance for security reasons

The World Cup warm-up match between Pakistan and New Zealand, scheduled for September 29 in Hyderabad, will be held without spectators. The decision to play behind closed doors is due to concerns over inadequate security coverage. It is because of rescheduled festival calendar. Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) was advised by city police to postpone the game because their resources were stretched thin by concurrent festivals, Ganesh Visarjan and Milan-Un-Nabi, concluding on September 28.

Unfortunately, with the tournament schedule already adjusted, postponement was not feasible. As a result, spectators who purchased tickets will receive refunds through Bookmyshow, the World Cup's ticketing partner. Security agencies have also expressed apprehensions about two consecutive World Cup 2023 league matches set for October 9 and October 10 at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.

The October 10 game involves Pakistan and Sri Lanka, while the match on the 9th features New Zealand and Netherlands. For a single match, approximately 3,000 police personnel will be deployed, with a significant contingent stationed at the Pakistan team's hotel. The World Cup 2023 itinerary has seen significant adjustments, with nine games rescheduled. Originally, the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash was planned for October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

However, this date coincided with the commencement of Navratri, a prominent festival in Gujarat. As a result, the game was shifted to October 14 to avoid any conflicts with the festive celebrations. These developments highlight the logistical challenges and adjustments required to accommodate the World Cup schedule, emphasizing the importance of security and ensuring smooth tournament operations amidst various regional festivals and events.

Pakistan will be playing two Warm-up matches

Three cities that will be hosting all 10 warmup matches that will be played in the ODI World Cup 2023. The warm-up games will be played across four days. Each team getting two matches to get up to speed before the main even starts.

Pakistan will play both their warm-up games at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Their first match will be against New Zealand on September 29. Then they will play second and final warm-up game against Australia on October 3.