The upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 in India is facing potential schedule adjustments due to security concerns raised by the local police, introducing further uncertainty to the event.

Media sources have reported that two matches, namely New Zealand against the Netherlands on October 9, and Pakistan versus Sri Lanka on October 10 at Uppal, might be subject to rescheduling due to security-related issues.

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The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with a request to modify the schedule for these two consecutive games. The concerns stem from the Hyderabad Police’s apprehension about managing security adequately for back-to-back matches.

The police have conveyed that around 3,000 personnel will be deployed for each game, with additional personnel designated for security measures at the hotel accommodating the Pakistan cricket team.

Previously, the Pakistan-Sri Lanka match had been scheduled for October 12, but it was shifted to offer Pakistan more time between fixtures, particularly after their match against India on October 14.

The clash between Pakistan and India, one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament, had itself been rescheduled due to a clash with the commencement of Navratri, a popular festival involving significant participation in Gujarat.

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Amid these adjustments, it has emerged that the HCA was not consulted during the prior rescheduling of nine World Cup matches, prompting the association to formally submit a request for the proposed alterations.

Given that ticket sales are slated to commence on August 25, the final decision rests with the BCCI on whether they will accommodate the HCA’s request for amendments to the already modified tournament schedule.