Azharuddin interview: Barcoded tickets, color-coded wristbands for India - NZ ODI

Hyderabad: Just days before his 60th birthday, Cricket legend Mohammed Azharuddin is enjoying the challenging task of hosting the first ODI between India and New Zealand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on January 18. Hands full with the arrangements, Azharuddin and his team are leaving 'no stone unturned' to ensure a 'pleasantly memorable experience' for cricket lovers. Azharuddin spoke about the arrangements: Excerpts:

What arrangements are being made for India vs New Zealand ODI in Hyderabad?

This ODI is very important for us, especially after Hyderabad is hosting an ODI after a gap of four years. We have constituted multiple Task force teams that will look after arrangements and coordinate with different vendors.

Our priority is to make it memorable for people. Barcoded tickets and color-coded wristbands will be provided for hassle-free entry. Seating and movement within the premises have also been taken care of. Gates will open two hours before the match for the general public.

What security arrangements have been made for the match day?

We have constituted internal teams, and are coordinating with the state government, police, SHE teams, and security teams. We don't want any mishaps to take place. We don't want people to have even the slightest bad experience.

All arrangements are being reviewed meticulously. Barricading will be done to avoid overcrowding, and queues will be maintained to ensure discipline. Everybody including the teams and the public must take away the best experience, and that is our primary focus.

How will the tickets be sold?

Tickets will be sold in batches over four days. 6000 tickets will be available for sale on January 13, and 7000 each on January 14 and 15. The rest of the tickets will be sold on January 16 through Paytm. This time, the tickets will be sold only through online mode. HCA will be running a campaign to avoid the black marketing of tickets.

The sale of tickets commences on January 13 at 5 pm. One can choose from L.B. Stadium or GMC Balayogi Stadium at the Gachibowli ticket collection center. These centers will provide customers with physical copies of tickets they purchase online. These counters will be open from January 15 between 10 am and 3 pm.

Even though the tickets are sold online, according to a release, fans are required to produce the physical ticket before entering the stadium.

In September last year, the police had to resort to a lathi charge to disperse fans seeking tickets for India vs Australia match after the commotion turned chaotic. HCA had claimed that it was not responsible for that incident as it happened beyond its premises but has however assured that the new initiatives will be in place to prevent any such incident related to the India-New Zealand match.

Meanwhile, cricket fans are desperate to watch their favorite stars in action live from the stands. India and New Zealand played 116 ODI matches so far of which India won 55. The New Zealand Cricket Team is expected to arrive in Hyderabad on Friday evening, followed by the Indian Cricket Team on Saturday. Practice matches will be held from 1 pm to 4 pm for the New Zealand Team and 5 pm to 8 pm for the Indian team, on 17th January, a day before the big game.