In a recent development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) that modifying the World Cup schedule at this late stage is not a feasible option. Consequently, the association has agreed to adhere to the existing program, which entails hosting consecutive matches on October 9 and 10 at Hyderabad’s Uppal Stadium.
Durga Prasad, a member of the team appointed by the Supreme Court administrator L Nageswara Rao, spoke to Cricbuzz and conveyed, “We engaged in discussions with the BCCI, and they have indicated that changing the schedule is not feasible at this point. Therefore, we have concurred to collaborate.” The HCA officials engaged in an extensive discussion with BCCI’s acting CEO, Hemang Amin, on Monday to deliberate over arrangements for the upcoming matches.
Prasad continued, “We understand that BCCI’s vice-president, Mr. Rajeev Shukla, has already issued a statement. We have been informed that making a last-minute alteration is challenging, and we are striving to make arrangements for the orderly execution of the matches. We have conferred with the city’s police commissioner, and he has reassured us of full assistance.” This interaction underscores the HCA’s commitment to ensuring the smooth progression of the event.
Notably, Hyderabad has been allocated matches for the World Cup on consecutive days, October 9 and 10. The HCA administration expressed concerns regarding the security preparations given this unusual situation. On October 9, New Zealand and The Netherlands are scheduled to compete, followed by a face-off between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on the very next day. Both matches are slated as day/night fixtures.
“We surmised that Sri Lanka and Pakistan would wish to practice at the Uppal Stadium itself, but this won’t be feasible due to the schedule. However, we have been informed that practice facilities can be arranged at an alternate venue. We will organize this at the Gymkhana ground,” mentioned Prasad, who also brings valuable experience as a former senior police officer of Andhra Pradesh.
While it’s not common for the same venue to host back-to-back games in a World Cup, the HCA official expressed confidence that the association is fully committed to ensuring incident-free matches. Despite the close proximity of the games, the HCA is hopeful that it won’t adversely affect the turnout.
As the World Cup extravaganza unfolds, matches are distributed across twelve cities throughout the country. Ahmedabad is set to host the inaugural match and the final, scheduled for October 5 and November 19 respectively, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the cricketing spectacle.
