Lionel Messi visit leads to security restrictions at Uppal stadium

The Hyderabad Cricket Association has barred spectators from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match at Uppal stadium on December 8 citing security reasons. The venue will host Lionel Messi’s show on December 13, with tickets priced between Rs 2250 and Rs 30,000

Hyderabad: Cricket lovers will not be allowed entry into the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium at Uppal for the last round of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 cricket championship on Monday.

According to an official communication from the Hyderabad Cricket Association, spectators will not be permitted on December 8 as the restriction has been imposed strictly on security grounds.

---

Authorities have taken this decision to allow security personnel to take over the venue, which will host the football legend Lionel Messi 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, 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 Messi and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy would kick off the match wearing jersey numbers 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 was looking forward to welcoming and hosting 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.

Tickets for the Messi show start from Rs 2250 to Rs 30,000 in different categories.