Hyderabad Cricket Association bars public entry ahead of Lionel Messi event at Uppal Stadium

Spectators will not be allowed at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match on December 7 due to security arrangements for Lionel Messi’s upcoming event. HCA and authorities stress safety, while CM Revanth Reddy welcomes Messi to Hyderabad.

Hyderabad: Cricket lovers will have no entry into the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium at Uppal for the last round of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T-20 cricket championship on Monday.

According to an official communication from the Hyderabad Cricket Association, the spectators will not be permitted on December 7 and the restriction has been imposed strictly on security grounds.

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Apparently, the authorities have taken this decision to let the security personnel take over the venue, which will host the football legend Lionel Messi’s show on December 13 at the Uppal Stadium.

The football legend is expected to arrive in the City on December 13 after attending a similar event in Kolkata.

“This decision has been taken after detailed consultations with the concerned authorities and is aimed at ensuring the highest level of safety for the players, match officials, all stakeholders associated with the tournament, and the spectators,” the HCA informed on Sunday.

The HCA appealed for “valued cooperation of the public and the media in adhering to these directives and in supporting the smooth conduct of the tournament.”

Meanwhile, a senior official of the Sports Authority of Telangana informed that the football great Messi and the Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy would kick off the match wearing Jersey Nos 10 and 9.

“As things stand, the teams will comprise young talent from the Academies and the Social Welfare Residential Schools,” he said.

For his part, the Chief Minister posted on his social media ‘X’ that he would be looking forward to welcoming and hosting the GOAT Lionel Messi in Hyderabad.

“It is an exciting moment for our City and for every football fan who has dreamt of seeing a legend like you on our soil. Hyderabad is ready to host him with warmth, pride and the spirit that defines our people,” Revanth Reddy commented.