NEW DELHI: Expressing concerns regarding both organisational and security aspects, an official from the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has emphasised that hosting two World Cup matches within consecutive days is far from ideal.
The official has expressed the hope that a one-day break between such matches can be arranged. This stance further signals a potential alteration in the schedule for the upcoming ODI showpiece, set to commence in India on October 5.
After a notable delay in the announcement of the schedule in June, the BCCI and ICC recently made substantial adjustments to the plan, including rescheduling nine matches. This included the high-profile encounter between India and Pakistan.
In light of these changes, the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match, initially slated for October 16, advanced by a day to October 15 in Ahmedabad.
Correspondingly, Pakistan's match against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad was shifted from October 12 to October 10.
Additionally, Hyderabad is also set to host the clash between New Zealand and Netherlands on October 9.
Amidst these shifts, the Hyderabad police have voiced reservations about ensuring security for consecutive matches. This development hints at the possibility of yet another modification to the schedule.
1/10:Clash of the Titans: Highest run-getters in India vs Aus ODI WC matches
2/10:Ricky Ponting (Australia): 303 runs
<p>The former Australian captain, Ricky Ponting is the leading run-scorer in India vs Australia ODI World Cup matches. “Punter” was known for his aggressive batting and played many memorable innings against India in World Cup encounters.<br /></p>
3/10:Ricky Ponting (Australia): 303 runs
<p>In 5 such games against India, Ponting scored 303 runs at an average of 101 with a couple of centuries and a best score of 140*.<br /></p>
4/10:Mark Waugh (Australia): 209 runs
<p>The former Aussie legend, Mark Waugh was a dependable middle-order batter known for his grit and determination. He had a great run against India in World Cup matches.<br /></p>
5/10:Mark Waugh (Australia): 209 runs
<p>In a couple of such matches, Waugh scored 209 runs at an average of 104.50 with a fifty, a hundred and a highest score of 126.<br /></p>
6/10:Sachin Tendulkar (India): 194 runs
<p>The greatest batter of all time, Sachin Tendulkar was a prolific run-scorer in India vs Australia World Cup matches. He consistently performed well against Australia and holds the record for scoring the maximum runs by an Indian vs Australia in ODI World Cup matches.<br /></p>
7/10:Sachin Tendulkar (India): 194 runs
<p>In 6 matches, Tendulkar scored 194 runs at an average of 32.33 with a couple of half-centuries and a highest score of 90.<br /></p>
8/10:Steven Smith (Australia): 174 runs
<p>Regarded as one of the finest batters of this era, Steven Smith is known for his unorthodox technique and exceptional run-scoring ability on any surface.<br /></p>Getty Images
9/10:Steven Smith (Australia): 174 runs
<p>Smith has amassed numerous records against India in every format. In a couple of ODI WC matches, Smith has accumulated 174 runs at an average of 87 with a fifty and a hundred with a highest score of 105.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>
10/10:Mohammad Azharuddin (India): 170 runs
<p>Rounding off this list is former Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin. Azhar had a great outing against the Aussies in World Cup matches.<br /></p>"I can't say it would be changed for sure but back to back games are not ideal. I mean if they (BCCI) are reconsidering that will be well in good. We will have to work with security agencies.
"Anyone would want a day in between two World Cup games. We are still engaging with security agencies to see if it is possible or not. At the same time we are also keeping BCCI in the loop. The BCCI is completely aware of what we are trying to do," said an HCA official on condition of anonymity.
However, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said in an official statement that no further changes are likely as it requires involvement of multiple stakeholders.
"I am in charge of 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," said Shukla, who is also a Congress Rajya Sabha member.
For an international game, the Hyderabad Police deploys between 2000-2500 personnel.
"Deployment also depends on nature of the game and how many people turn up. Police makes those assessments and deploys accordingly," the official added.
1/10:Top-5: Indian bowlers with most wickets vs Pakistan in the ODI WCa
2/10:Venkatesh Prasad: 8 wickets
<p>Known for his seam and swing bowling, Prasad made his mark in India-Pakistan World Cup clashes with some memorable performances. He played a significant role in pivotal moments against Pakistan during WC matches.<br /></p>Getty Images
3/10:Venkatesh Prasad: 8 wickets
<p>Venky scalped 8 wickets in a couple of matches against Pak at an ER of 3.69 and best figures of 5/27. He is the only Indian bowler to take a fifer against Pak in the ODI World Cup.<br /></p>Getty Images
4/10:Javagal Srinath: 7 wickets
<p>The “Mysore Express” was a key figure in India's bowling attack during the 1990s. He has a notable record against Pakistan in World Cups.<br /></p>
5/10:Javagal Srinath: 7 wickets
<p>In 4 matches, Srinath scalped 7 wickets at an ER of 5 and best figures of 3/37.<br /></p>Getty Images
6/10:Anil Kumble: 5 wickets
<p>One of the world's greatest spin bowlers, Anil Kumble was renowned for his accuracy and variations. His crafty leg-spin bowling often troubled Pakistani batters in WC matches, leading to a substantial wicket tally.<br /></p>
7/10:Anil Kumble: 5 wickets
<p>In 3 such matches, Kumble scalped 5 wickets at an ER of 4.73 with best figures of 3/48.<br /><br /><br /></p>
8/10:Zaheer Khan: 4 wickets
<p>Zaheer Khan played a crucial role in India's bowling lineup in the 2011 World Cup. His ability to swing the ball and bowl effective yorkers made him a formidable force against Pakistan in World Cup encounters.<br /></p>
9/10:Zaheer Khan: 4 wickets
<p>In a couple of games against Pakistan, Zaheer scalped 4 wickets at an ER of 5.24 with best figures of 2/46.<br /></p>
10/10:Mohammed Shami: 4 wickets
<p>Another renowned Indian fast bowler, Mohammed Shami has had a significant impact against Pakistan in the ODI World Cup in the only such match he has played so far.<br /></p>Getty ImagesConsidering Pakistan's involvement in one of those games, the security is expected to be heightened.
Pakistan, who will play in India for the first time since T20 World Cup 2016, will have a lengthy stay in Hyderabad as they play two warm-up games before featuring in as many tournament proper matches at the venue.
Their opening fixture is against Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on October 6.
1/10:Captain Courageous: Highest scores by skippers in ODI World Cup finals
2/10:Ricky Ponting (Aus, 2003): 140* vs India
<p>Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting scored an unbeaten 140 against India in the 2003 ODI World Cup final in Johannesburg, South Africa. <br /></p>
3/10:Ricky Ponting (Aus, 2003): 140* vs India
<p>Australia won that match by 125 runs and Ponting walked away with both the WC trophy and the Man of the Match award. <br /><br /><br /></p>
4/10:Clive Lloyd (WI, 1975): 102 vs AUS
<p>Clive Lloyd, the legendary West Indian cricketer, and captain, scored 102 against Australia in the 1975 Cricket World Cup final, which was also the inaugural edition of the tournament. <br /></p>
5/10:Clive Lloyd (WI, 1975): 102 vs AUS
<p>His century helped the West Indies beat Australia by 17 runs and clinch the trophy. Llyod was the Man of the Match for his century and for taking the wicket of Doug Walters.<br /></p>
6/10:MS Dhoni (India, 2011): 91* vs SL
<p>MS Dhoni is still the only captain who won all three ICC trophies - the ODI WC, T20 WC and the Champions Trophy. One of his most celebrated innings was the one he played vs SL in the final of the 2011 World Cup.<br /></p>
7/10:MS Dhoni (India, 2011): 91* vs SL
<p>In a run-chase, Dhoni scored a match-winning 91* off 79 balls and smashed the iconic winning six to take India to their second ODI WC title. He was also the Man of the Match.<br /><br /><br /></p>
8/10:Michael Clarke (Aus, 2015): 74 vs NZ
<p>On the night of the final of the 2015 World Cup, the formidable Aussie skipper, Michael Clarke played a spectacular innings of 74 in the run-chase which paved the way for Australia to clinch their 5th World Cup.<br /></p>Getty Images
9/10:Michael Clarke (Aus, 2015): 74 vs NZ
<p>This was also Clarke’s final appearance in the ODIs. Australia beat NZ by 7 wickets with as many as 101 deliveries remaining.<br /><br /><br /></p>Getty Images
10/10:Mark Taylor (Aus, 1996): 74 vs SL
<p>In the 1996 final against Sri Lanka Aussie skipper and opener Mark Taylor scored a brilliant 74 against a strong Lankan bowling line-up. He smashed 8 fours and 1 six.<br /></p>The ticket sales for the ODI mega event start on August 25, not providing enough time to the average cricket fan to plan his or her travel.
(With inputs from PTI)
