The World Cup 2023 practice match between Pakistan and New Zealand on September 29 will be organised behind closed doors in Hyderabad as the security agencies have suggested doing so. On Monday, the BCCI stated that the game is occurring at the same as of a local festival and the security agencies were not sure about the preparations.
"The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 warm-up match between New Zealand and Pakistan scheduled to take place in Hyderabad on 29th September 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," BCCI said in the press release.
The Pakistan cricket team members were also granted Indian visas for the Cricket World Cup on Monday. Clearance of visa took only 48 hours before Pakistan's scheduled travel to India in the wee hours of September 27. They are set to play their first warm-up game against New Zealand in Hyderabad on September 29.
"Visas have been issued to Pakistan," an ICC spokesperson told PTI.
"We have not got the call from Indian High Commission yet over visa clearance. Member of our team is stationed there," PCB spokesperson Umar Farooq told PTI.
The Pakistan cricket team will reach Hyderabad via Dubai on Wednesday. Pakistan will take on New Zealand in a first warm-up game on September 29, followed by a game against Australia on October 3 in their second warm-up fixture in Hyderabad.
The Men in Green will start their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands in Hyderabad on October 6 and their second group stage match will take place against Sri Lanka on October 10. Pakistan will then go to Ahmedabad for their high-octane match against India on October 14.