It is a sign of the times, when security becomes an issue when it comes to international cricket matches. However, measures have been put in place to ensure that India’s next two international series can proceed without the threat of disruption from outside elements.
Firstly, the Sri Lankan side have arrived in Guwahati ahead of their three-match series against the hosts amidst tight security following the disturbances that rocked the city as people protested against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Flying into the city on Thursday, the Sri Lankan team headed straight to their hotel, surrounded by a blanket of security, although local officials insist that everything locally is back to normal, and that tourists have begun to return to the state.
In December, Assam saw widespread protests against the CAA which saw domestic matches in the Ranji Trophy and under-19 games affected, or cancelled, because of the local curfew imposed.
The match on Sunday at the Barsapara cricket ground, which has a capacity of 39,500, is expected to be a sell- out, and the Guwahati government is desperate to ensure the match goes ahead without a hitch.
Meanwhile, ahead of India’s tour of New Zealand later this month, the locals are taking no chances themselves when it comes to the security of players, match officials and spectators.
Normally considered one of the safest countries in the world to visit, last year’s attacks on mosques in Christchurch was a wake-up call for New Zealand authorities about the need to change their attitude to security. More than 50 people were killed in two mosque attacks in Christchurch by a lone gunman, and the visiting Bangladeshi team, who were praying in one of the mosques at the time, narrowly escaped injury.
The BCCI has been in close contact with the New Zealand cricket authorities, and has been kept fully appraised as to the plans they are putting in place to protect the Indian players and officials.
Al this comes a month after Sri Lanka became the first team to visit Pakistan for a test series in a decade, after the attack on their tour bus in Lahore in March 2009 which saw six people injured, and a number of players and match officials injured.
