ICC World Cup 2019 | Old Trafford turned into ‘no-fly zone’ for India-New Zealand semi final

The nuisance of planes carrying political banners first showed up when Pakistan played Afghanistan. Although the ICC assured that no such incident would be repeated, the same happened during India’s final league match against Sri Lanka. A plane carrying the slogan 'Justice for Kashmir' was first seen flying over Headingley on Saturday, which was followed by more slogans on Kashmir and mob lynching.

Earlier, BCCI's chief executive officer (CEO) Rahul Johri had asked the ICC to detail the steps being taken to avoid the Leeds mishap. The tournament director, Steve Elworthy, responded in a letter assuring the BCCI of no further trouble. 

Still, the BCCI took up the matter with the Indian High Commission in London, which then used its influence to make matters known to the UK government itself. It is reported that it was the ICC who asked BCCI to move down this path in order to emphasis the seriousness of the issue. 

Eventually, it seems the pressure paid off, as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) accepted the request of the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to turn Old Trafford into a no-fly zone till Wednesday morning. 

"We must appreciate the role of GMP here. They've been extremely co-operative in this regard. We're now hoping for similar 'no fly zones' at Edgbaston (during the second semifinal between England and Australia at Birmingham), and the final at Lord's on July 14," an ICC official told TOI on Tuesday.

Things took an interesting as play was forced to be moved midway to the reserve day, i.e. on Wednesday.