The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday (September 25) confirmed that the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 warm-up fixture between Pakistan and New Zealand will be held behind closed doors at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on September 29.

The decision has been taken after the advice of local security agencies as the match coincides with festivals on the day.

The Indian board also said that the fans who bought tickets for this game will receive a full refund.

“The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 warm-up match between New Zealand and Pakistan scheduled to take place in Hyderabad on 29th September will now take place behind closed doors as per the advice of the local security agencies,” BCCI said in an official release.

“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,” it added.

Earlier, the Hyderabad Cricket Association had expressed concerns after advice from local security agencies over large gatherings in the city due to Ganesh Visarjan and Milan-Un-Nabi festivals.

The Pakistan cricket team, led by Babar Azam, is due to arrive in Hyderabad on September 27. After playing New Zealand in a warm-up fixture on September 29, the Men in Green will take on Australia in their second warm-up fixture in Hyderabad on October 3.

Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on October 6 in Hyderabad.