Xtra Time Web Desk: The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has created a last-minute challenge for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) by requesting a change in the schedule for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. HCA has asked for a break between two consecutive matches, one featuring Pakistan against Sri Lanka and the other involving the Netherlands and New Zealand.
With the India versus Pakistan game in Ahmedabad being moved up a day to October 15, Pakistan’s game against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad has been moved from October 12 to October 10. On October 9, the HCA will also host a match between New Zealand and the Netherlands.
The Hyderabad Police expressed concerns about managing security for two back-to-back matches, especially the one involving Pakistan, requiring a substantial police presence. This situation has put both BCCI and ICC in a spot, considering that ticket sales for the World Cup are set to begin soon from August 25.
Senior BCCI official Rajeev Shukla, however, stated that no further changes are likely due to the involvement of multiple stakeholders.
“I am in charge of the Hyderabad venue for WC. If there will be any issue or anything, will try to get it resolved. It is not easy to change the World Cup schedule and it’s unlikely to happen. Only BCCI can’t change schedule, teams, ICC, all involved,” Shukla was quoted as saying by the news agency Press Trust of India.
The 2023 World Cup schedule has already seen several changes due to clashes with festivals and logistical reasons. These adjustments were made to ensure teams have adequate time for travel, recovery, and training between matches.