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Cricket ODI World Cup 2023

‘Waise bhi koi nahi dekhne jayega’ - Fans react as Pakistan’s Warm-up clash with New Zealand reportedly set to happen behind closed doors

Here is how fans have reacted as Pakistan's warm-up clash against New Zealand will take place in Hyderabad behind the closed doors

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Jennifer
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Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam

Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam (Image Source: Twitter)

Pakistan are currently the number one-ranked ODI team. But, despite being the favourites, they had a disappointing Asia Cup 2023 because they failed to qualify for the final. In the ‘Super 4’ stage, they lost to India and Sri Lanka. Now, ahead of the ODI World Cup in India, Babar Azam and his men are not scheduled to play any ODIs.

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Hence, they will straight come to India and play two warm-up matches in Hyderabad. But, now, reports have come out that their warm-up clash with New Zealand will be taking place behind closed doors due to security concerns. After listening to that, fans shared their views on social media platforms.

Pakistan to play two group matches in Hyderabad in the World Cup 

The match against the Kiwis is scheduled to happen on 29 September. The Hyderabad City Police have already said that they will be unable to provide adequate security as the match is going to happen a day after two major festivals; Ganesh Visarjan (immersion) and Milad-un-Nabi in the city. An official of the Indian Cricket Board said: “The processions will go on late into the night and the local police would not be able to provide adequate security for a match of this scale. There will continue to be full security for both the teams during their stay and transit to the stadium.”   

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However, it is going to be a major setback for cricket fans in Hyderabad as apart from two warm-up games, only three matches are scheduled to take place in Hyderabad. India have no match in the stadium. Earlier, the Hyderabad Cricket Association requested the Indian Cricket Board to make a change in the schedule as they need to host two back-to-back matches. On 9 October, the Kiwis will take on the Netherlands while on 10 October, Pakistan will take on the Lankans at the same venue. So, they raised the security concern. But, the Board informed them that a late change in dates can not be possible.

Here is how fans have reacted:

Cricket News New Zealand Pakistan featured Twitter Reactions ODI World Cup 2023