CWC 2023: BCCI turns down HCA’s request for changes in World Cup schedule – Report

Earlier, HCA expressed apprehensions about providing adequate security at the stadium.

By Salman Anjum - 21 Aug, 2023

Days after the ICC and BCCI announced a revised schedule for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, the Indian board received a request from Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) to tweak the schedule once again.

The HCA, which is scheduled to stage three World Cup 2023 games, expressed apprehensions about providing adequate security as the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is set to host two consecutive matches.

The stadium will play host to the New Zealand versus Netherlands clash on October 9 while Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka at the same venue a day later.

Meanwhile, a report published in Cricbuzz on Monday (August 21) claimed that the BCCI has turned down the request and notified the HCA that changing the schedule is not feasible at this point.

"We have engaged in discussions with the BCCI, and they have indicated that changing the schedule is not feasible at this point. Therefore, we have concurred to collaborate," Durga Prasad, a member of the team appointed by the Supreme Court administrator L Nageswara Rao, told Cricbuzz.

The report further stated that the HCA has agreed to adhere to the schedule and will help the city police in the smooth functioning of all three World Cup matches at the venue.

"We comprehend that BCCI's vice-president, Mr Rajeev Shukla, has already issued a statement. We have been informed that making a last-minute alteration is challenging, and we are striving to make arrangements for the orderly execution of the matches. We have conferred with the city's police commissioner, and he has reassured us of full assistance," the HCA official was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Besides the fixtures on October 9 and October 10, Pakistan’s opening World Cup 2023 match against the Netherlands will also be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on October 6.

By Salman Anjum - 21 Aug, 2023

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