Right after the Asia Cup's assignment Babar Azam-led Pakistan will set their eyes on the bigger goal, ODI World Cup 2023, which is set to commence from October 5. Before starting their World Cup campaign Pakistan will be playing a couple of warm-up matches. But in a big update to Babar-led Pakistan's first warm-up match against New Zealand in Hyderabad, Sports Tak reported has learnt that the tie is likely to be played without spectators citing security concerns.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla is expected to have a meeting with Hyderabad cricket board administrator and official on 16th of this month to discuss issues related with the ODI World Cup warm match of New Zealand and Pakistan. A top source in the know of development told Sports Tak that BCCI vice president will be traveling to Hyderabad as he is incharge of that venue and will meet HCA administrator to understand their concern related to the security. “We have some options for the warm game which we have discussed internally is that we might close the doors for spectators for warm up match or we might shift game let's see how meeting goes on as of now floor is open nothing has been decided,” the source said.
Earlier, HCA administrator had requested BCCI to reconsider the warm up game because of the festival it would be tough to manage security.
Talking about Pakistan's ODI World Cup campaign, Babar Azam's army will kick off their caravan with a warm-up match against New Zealand on September 29 at the Raji Gandhi International Stadium Hyderabad. Following this, Pakistan will play another practice match against Australia on October 3. In the 2023 World Cup, Pakistan's team will play its first match against the Netherlands on October 6 also in Hyderabad. Subsequently, a major showdown between India and Pakistan is set to take place on 14th October in Ahmedabad.
Pakistan's ODI World Cup schedule:
| FIXTURE | DATE | VENUE |
| Pakistan vs Qualifier 1 | October 6 | Hyderabad |
| Pakistan vs Qualifier 2 | October 12 | Hyderabad |
| Pakistan vs India | October 15 | Ahmedabad |
| Pakistan vs Australia | October 20 | Bengaluru |
| Pakistan vs Afghanistan | October 23 | Chennai |
| Pakistan vs South Africa | October 27 | Chennai |
| Pakistan vs Bangladesh | October 31 | Kolkata |
| Pakistan vs New Zealand | November 4 | Bengaluru |
| Pakistan vs England | November 12 | Kolkata |
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