• HCA has requested BCCI to revise the dates of two back-to-back World Cup matches in Hyderabad.

  • Hyderabad Police has raised concerns over providing adequate security for consecutive matches.

‘Back to back games are not ideal’: HCA seeks change in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 schedule
Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium and the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy at the Taj Mahal (Image Source: Twitter)

The much anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is just around the corner, and the excitement among cricket enthusiasts is at an all-time high. However, as the excitement builds, there also emerged some concerns regarding the scheduling of the tournament that has led to calls for adjustments in the fixtures.

It is worth mentioning that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and ICC released the initial list of World Cup 2023 matches in June this year but later were forced to reschedule nine games due to security reasons.

HCA raises the alarm regarding security for subsequent matches:

Although it seemed like the amendment in the schedule by the BCCI solved the problem completely, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has now brought to light the concerns raised by the Hyderabad Police over providing security for back-to-back games in the city.

According to reports, the HCA has formally communicated its reservations to the BCCI, citing security concerns related to hosting consecutive matches.

“I can’t say it would be changed for sure but back to back games are not ideal. I mean if they (BCCI) are reconsidering that will be well in good. We will have to work with security agencies,” An anonymous HCA official was quoted saying by The Economic Times.

“Anyone would want a day in between two World Cup games. We are still engaging with security agencies to see if it is possible or not. At the same time we are also keeping BCCI in the loop. The BCCI is completely aware of what we are trying to do,” he added.

Also READ: Harry Brook reacts after omission from England’s provisional ODI World Cup 2023 squad

Hyderabad’s important role in the upcoming World Cup event:

It is to be noted that the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad is set to host three matches during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, two of which are slated for consecutive dates. The first of these fixtures is a clash between New Zealand and the Netherlands on October 9, followed by a match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on the subsequent day.

With these highly anticipated consecutive clashes on the card and new concerns regarding adequate security, the chances of yet another adjustment in the World Cup schedule have increased. Nevertheless, BCCI is still to make its decision public and is actively engaged in examining the matter.

Speaking of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, the marque event will commence from October 5 in India. The tournament will see ten teams locking horns with each other for the coveted trophy.

Also READ: Kagiso Rabada provides insights into South Africa’s World Cup prospects

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Vishwanath Hariharan is Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. From breaking news stories to in-depth features and opinion pieces, he has covered a wide range of topics. Vishwanath is very fond of watching cricket. Like many others, he too grew up watching, playing, and imitating his favourite players of the game. MS Dhoni is like a demigod to him. You can connect with him at vishwanath.hariharan@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter & Linkedin.