2023 World Cup: No fans allowed for Pakistan's warm-up match in Hyderabad

IMAGE: It's an opening warm-up game for both teams ahead of the World Cup. Photograph: Photograph: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images from the Rediff Archives

Pakistan's first warm-up match ahead of the World Cup will be played behind closed doors in Hyderabad for security reasons, BCCI said on Monday.

Babar Azam and his men will meet 2019 runners-up New Zealand on Friday but fans will not be allowed inside the stadium in Hyderabad "... as per the advice of the local security agencies", the BCCI said in a statement on Monday.

"The match in Hyderabad coincides with festivals on the day and large gatherings are expected around the city.

"The spectators who bought tickets for the game will receive a full refund."

India and Pakistan have suspended bilateral cricket and play each other only in multi-team events.

Pakistan will play another warm-up match against Australia on October 3 and launch their bid for a second 50-overs World Cup title against the Netherlands three days later.

The 1992 champions, who received their visas on Monday after some delay, will leave for India via Dubai on Wednesday.

Schedule of World Cup warm up matches:

Source: REUTERS
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No fans allowed for Pakistan's WC warm-up in Hyderabad

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