Back To Back Matches Will Continue Says Hyederabad

The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) had initially expressed concerns about the schedule for the 2023 ODI World Cup, particularly regarding the hosting of consecutive matches in Hyderabad. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has conveyed to the HCA that no alterations can be made to the schedule.

Specifically, the concern arose regarding the provision of ample security for two back-to-back matches: New Zealand versus Netherlands on October 9 and Pakistan versus Sri Lanka on October 10. Upon notification by the HCA to the Indian board about the local police’s apprehensions in ensuring sufficient security, the BCCI responded that schedule adjustments would not be feasible.

Following this communication, the HCA relayed the BCCI’s stance to the Hyderabad Police, who have now assured that they will provide adequate security measures for all four participating teams. Additionally, the HCA received confirmation from the BCCI allowing both Pakistan and Sri Lanka to practice at the Gymkhana Ground in Secunderabad before their clash on October 10. There were previous uncertainties regarding whether all four teams could receive sufficient practice at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

Sri Lanka is scheduled to arrive in Hyderabad on October 8, following their day-night match in Delhi against South Africa on October 7. Pakistan and Netherlands will kick off their campaign in Hyderabad, facing each other on October 6, and will stay there for their subsequent group match. New Zealand, engaging with Netherlands on October 9, will arrive in Hyderabad after their tournament opener against England on October 5 in Ahmedabad.

Ticket sales for the World Cup are slated to commence on August 25, approximately 40 days before the tournament’s commencement on October 5.