In the wake of the Delhi blast, the Indian cricket team is set to play the first Test of the two-Test series against South Africa at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on November 14, with tight security measures in place. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and the Indian team have requested enhanced security from Kolkata Police for the remainder of the series.
According to sources, a tight security regiment will be implemented for both the Indian and South African teams, ensuring their safe movement for practice sessions and match days. Police officials have already initiated thorough security checks and naka checks outside the Eden Gardens stadium.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma is scheduled to visit Eden Gardens to review the security arrangements on November 11. Additionally, security at the team hotels in Kolkata has been beefed up following the blast. In addition, a special meeting has been arranged between CAB officials and top Kolkata Police officers to discuss the security measures.
The Indian cricket team and South Africa cricket team has already arrived in Kolkata. The teams were scheduled to start their practice sessions at Eden Gardens from November 11 morning.
Security measures taken for Ranji match in Delhi too
Earlier, Delhi government had beefed up security around the Arun Jaitley Stadium for the final day of the Ranji Trophy Group D clash between Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir. The stadium is not far away from Red Fort Metro Stadium, where a car exploded on November 10 evening, claiming lives of at least 10 people and left multiple injured.
"Security to be beefed up near Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium (renamed Arun Jaitley Stadium) on the final day of the Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir," Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma told PTI on November 10.
"I would be getting in touch with Delhi Police authorities and request them to deploy additional security outside the stadium premises," he added.