New Delhi / Due to Security Reasons First T20 to be held in Mumbai cancelled, will now be in Hyderabad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has changed the schedule of the three-match T20 series against the West Indies due to security reasons. Now on December 6, the first T20 match will be played in Hyderabad instead of Mumbai, while the third and last match will be in Mumbai. The Mumbai Police had refused to provide security for the match on 6 December.

Mumbai Police had said that apart from the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid on 6 December, the city is on high alert due to Mahaparinirvan Divas (death anniversary of Dr Ambedkar). On this day, lakhs of Baba Saheb's followers come to his memorial (Chaityabhoomi) in Dadar. In such a situation, it is not possible for the police to protect the match. 

HCA President Azharuddin was instrumental in the change in the venue

After the police refusal, the BCCI first started searching for a new venue for the T20. The board spoke to Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) President Mohammad Azharuddin. After their approval, matches were exchanged between Mumbai and Hyderabad. According to sources, the HCA president's role was instrumental in the change in venue. If they were not ready, the host of the match would have been snatched from Mumbai.

The last international match was played at Wankhede Stadium in 2017

Mumbai Cricket Association last hosted an international T20 match against Sri Lanka in 2017. Last year too, the ODI between West Indies and India was shifted from Wankhede Stadium due to administrative reasons. The match was then played at the Brabourne Stadium, hosted by the Cricket Club of India (CCI). 

Changed schedule of T20 Series:

First T20 Match: 6 December, Hyderabad

Second T20 Match: 8 December, Thiruvananthapuram

Third T20 Match: 11 December, Mumbai

Schedule of One Day Series: -

First ODI: 15 December, Chennai

Second ODI: 18 December, Visakhapatnam

Third ODI: 22 December, Cuttack