Cricket: Pakistan vs New Zealand Warm-Up Match at World Cup to Take Place without Spectators

A warm-up match between Pakistan and New Zealand for the upcoming ODI World Cup will be played without any spectators. This decision was made as the Hyderabad city police expressed their inability to provide adequate security for the match. The match is scheduled to take place on September 29, just a day after two major festivals in the city that would involve mass gatherings. The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has assured that there will still be full security for both teams during their stay and transit to the stadium.

Unfortunately, this news will disappoint cricket fans in Hyderabad, as the city is only hosting three group matches in the World Cup, none of which involve India. The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) had also requested a change in the back-to-back matches scheduled on October 9 and 10, but the BCCI informed them that a late change in dates would not be possible. Pakistan is scheduled to play four of their eleven matches in the World Cup in Hyderabad.

Overall, the decision to play the warm-up match without spectators was made to ensure the safety and security of all individuals involved, considering the festivities and potential security risks in the city during that time. The BCCI, HCA, and the security authorities are working together to make arrangements for ticket refunds for the spectators.