Elaborate arrangements being made for India NZ T20

Elaborate arrangements are under way for the much-anticipated T20 International match between India and New Zealand, scheduled to be held at Dr. YSR ACA VDCA International Cricket Stadium on January 28 (Wednesday).

The high-profile encounter is expected to draw a packed crowd and significant attention, with both teams using the match as a key part of their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has been making extensive efforts to ensure the stadium is ready for the match. The venue is being spruced up, focusing on infrastructure, facilities and overall match-day experience. According to ACA sources, both the India and New Zealand teams are likely to arrive in Visakhapatnam on the evening of January 26.

As part of the pre-arrangements, the ACA has organised a series of coordination meetings with the district administration, city police and heads of various departments to ensure smooth conduct of the event.

Commissioner of Police Shankabratha Bagchi has also convened a couple of review meetings to assess security and traffic arrangements. Around 1,200 police personnel, including staff from crime, traffic, and Armed Reserve (AR) wings, are expected to be deployed as part of the bandobast to maintain law and order and regulate crowd movement.

On Sunday, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the ACA Girish Dongre inspected the stadium to review the progress of the preparations. During the inspection, he examined spectator stands, pavilions, commentary boxes and other facilities to ensure they meet the required standards and provide a comfortable experience for fans, players and officials alike.

Ticket sales for the much-awaited clash began on January 23, and according to ACA sources, the response has been overwhelming. Most of the tickets, including those in several VIP boxes, have already been sold, indicating strong public interest in the match.

Both India and New Zealand are expected to treat the game as a crucial contest in fine-tuning their strategies ahead of the T20 World Cup. Cricket fans can look forward to a thrilling, edge-of-the-seat encounter between the two competitive sides.

A senior ACA official said that unlike the ticketing pattern followed during the previous One Day International (ODI), this time seat numbering has been introduced. “With allotted seat numbers, ticket holders need not rush or arrive very early to secure seats. They can occupy their designated seats comfortably, similar to the arrangements followed during recent IPL matches,” the official added.

This is going to be the first International cricket match in the city this year. The last International match held in Vizag was the series decider between India and South Africa on December 6, 2025.