NEW DELHI: Special security measures will be enforced ahead of the crucial India-Pakistan clash at a Colombo stadium on Sunday, Sri Lanka Police said on Saturday.
Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are set to face off in a T20 World Cup fixture at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.
Sri Lankan authorities made it clear that no risks would be taken on the security front. “We, the Sri Lanka police, have organized a very special traffic and security arrangement,” police spokesperson FT Wootler told reporters.
The match comes after weeks of uncertainty following Pakistan’s announcement of a boycott in solidarity with Bangladesh. Intensive discussions involved the International Cricket Council (ICC), Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan government also urged Pakistan to reconsider its stance, citing the potential financial losses that could arise given the arrangements already put in place as co-hosts of the tournament.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake personally called Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to stress the importance of Pakistan traveling to Colombo to fulfill the fixture.
This will be India’s first match outside their home country in the ongoing tournament.
Security planning for the game had been overshadowed in recent weeks due to the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s initial decision to boycott.
Earlier, the government stated that top priority had been given to security arrangements to ensure that no untoward incidents occur during the high-voltage encounter between the two rivals.
Security personnel will deploy armed guards “from the time they (teams) step out of the airport. They will be provided armed guards until they return to aircraft,” Wootler said.
Fans have been advised to reach the venue well in advance of the 7 pm start. “All the gates would be opened by 3 pm. We request the public, if possible, to make it as early as possible to the ground,” Wootler added.
(With PTI Inputs)
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