Due to “security concerns,” the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup 2023 warm-up match between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played behind closed doors in Hyderabad, India.
ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan-New Zealand warm-up without crowds
Indian media reported on September 29 that the Hyderabad city police, citing two major religious festivals (Ganesh Visarjan and Eid Milad-un-Nabi) in the city, had expressed their inability to provide adequate security for the warm-up match between the Green Shirts and the Kiwis.
The local police would not be able to provide proper security for a match of this scope, a BCCI official said, because the processions would continue late into the night. During their stay and travel to the stadium, both teams will have full security.
Tickets for affected fans will be refunded by the BCCI in coordination with the hosting association and ticketing partners.
The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) sought a rescheduling of the New Zealand vs. Netherlands and Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka matches originally set to take place in the city on October 9 and 10, respectively, due to security concerns voiced by local authorities. Changing the dates so close to the event was not possible, but security officials were able to fulfil the request.
Pakistan will play eleven games at the World Cup; two of their warmup games and two of their group stage games will be played in Hyderabad.
On September 27th, the Men in Green are projected to fly into Hyderabad from Dubai.
Pakistan WC23 Schedule
- October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
- October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
- October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
- October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
- October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
- October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
- October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
- November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
- November 11 – vs England in Kolkata
