Ashish Ranjan
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the upcoming ODI World Cup schedule cannot be altered despite security concerns expressed by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) regarding hosting consecutive matches.
The HCA communicated with the BCCI about the security arrangements for two consecutive matches on October 9 and 10, after the local police expressed concerns about administering security for the New Zealand-Netherlands and Pakistan-Sri Lanka contests.
The BCCI has informed HCA that it is not practicable to reschedule the matches at this time. Durga Prasad, a member of the committee appointed by the administrator of the Supreme Court, L Nageswara Rao, confirmed the discussions with the BCCI.
“We’ve had discussions with the BCCI, and they’ve informed us that altering the schedule at this time is not possible. Accordingly, we have agreed to work together,” he was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
It is reported that HCA representatives spoke with BCCI’s acting CEO Hemang Amin on 21 August about the arrangements for the contests in question. In response to recent events, the Hyderabad Police Department has provided assurances regarding the security of both matches.
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“We understand that Rajeev Shukla, vice-president of the BCCI, has already issued a statement. We’ve been informed that making a last-minute change is difficult, and we’re attempting to make provisions for the matches’ smooth execution. The city’s police commissioner has assured us of his complete cooperation,” the HCA representative continued.
As the event approaches, the focus shifts to the preparations of the teams. The World Cup matches will begin in Ahmedabad on October 5, with tickets going on sale on August 25.
