Rajeev Shukla, vice president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has stated that it is doubtful that the World Cup schedule will be changed further. According to sources, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has expressed concern over hosting back-to-back matches.
The Hyderabad Police were worried about providing sufficient protection for the matches between New Zealand and the Netherlands on October 9 and Pakistan and Sri Lanka on October 10. The HCA had informed the BCCI of their concern.
Although Shukla, who is in charge of the World Cup venue in Hyderabad, promised to attempt to find a solution, it is unlikely that anything will change further because any decision would require input from both the ICC and the teams. “I am in charge of the World Cup venue in Hyderabad. Will make an effort to find a solution if there is a problem. The World Cup schedule cannot easily be changed, and it is unlikely to occur. Teams, ICC, and the schedule may all remain the same; only the BCCI cannot,” Shukla told ANI.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad hosted two matches on consecutive days as a result of the World Cup match between India and Pakistan being moved to a different day and eight other matches in the tournament being altered. The HCA is also worried about whether all four teams would be able to get enough practice at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, which is now run by a Supreme Court-appointed administrator.
After playing a day match against South Africa in Delhi on October 7, Sri Lanka will take a flight to Hyderabad on October 8. On October 6, Pakistan and the Netherlands will both launch their campaigns in Hyderabad, where they’ll also play their second group game.
After playing England in the opening match of the tournament on October 5 in Ahmedabad, New Zealand will travel to Hyderabad on October 9. On October 6, 9, and 10, matches will take place at the Hyderabad site. This is the timetable:
- October 6, Friday: Pakistan vs Netherlands – 2 PM IST
- October 9, Monday: New Zealand vs Netherlands – 2 PM IST
- October 10, Tuesday: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – 2 PM IST
