Cricket World Cup 2023: Pak vs NZ warm-up fixture to be held behind closed doors in Hyderabad

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) confirmed on Monday that the Cricket World Cup 2023 warm-up fixture between Pakistan and New Zealand, scheduled for September 29, will be held behind closed doors at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

The BCCI said that the decision was taken after the advice of local security agencies, keeping in mind that the match will coincide with festivals on the day. The cricket board said that the fans who bought tickets for the match will be offered a full refund.

Notably, the Hyderabad Cricket Association had reportedly raised concerns after advice from local security agencies over large gatherings in the city due to Ganesh Visarjan and Milan-Un-Nabi festivals that culminate on September 28.

"The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 warm-up match between New Zealand and Pakistan scheduled to take place in Hyderabad on September 29 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," the BCCI said in a release.

The Pakistan cricket team is set to arrive in Hyderabad via Dubai on Wednesday, September 27. Pakistan will take on New Zealand in a warm-up fixture on September 29 and take on Australia on October 3 in their second warm-up fixture in Hyderabad.

Pakistan also play their World Cup opener against the Netherlands in Hyderabad on October 6 and their second group stage match against Sri Lanka on October 10, making it a two-week stay in Hyderabad. Pakistan will then head to Ahmedabad for their marquee group stage match against India on October 14.

Notably, the Pakistan cricket team will receive their visas for their travel to India on Tuesday following which they would leave for Dubai in the wee hours of Wednesday. Pakistan had planned a team-bonding camp in Dubai but that was shelved as their visas were approved only on Monday.