According to Sri Lanka police on Saturday, special security measures would be in place before the marquee India-Pakistan Twenty20 World Cup cricket clash at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.
Authorities in Sri Lanka stated that no chances would be taken regarding the security measures. “We, the Sri Lanka police, have organised a very special traffic and security arrangement,” PTI quoted police spokesman FT Wootler telling reporters.
Following weeks of uncertainty following Pakistan’s proclamation that it would boycott the game in solidarity with Bangladesh, the match finally takes place. The International Cricket Council (ICC), Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka were all embroiled in heated debates.
Given the possible significant losses that could result from the agreements already made as the tournament’s co-hosts, the Sri Lankan government even urged Pakistan to reconsider.
Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, was contacted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to persuade him that his squad must travel to Colombo in order to finish the game.
In this edition, this will be India’s first T20 World Cup match played outside their nation.
Due to Pakistan’s intention to boycott the game, there were weeks of uncertainty about the match’s security. The government had stated that security measures were given top priority in order to prevent any unfortunate events during the fierce rivals’ showdown.
For the 7 p.m. start, fans have been asked to arrive four hours early.
Security officials are to deploy armed guards “from the time they (teams) step out of the airport. They will be provided armed guards till they return to aircraft. 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.
