Sri Lanka Cricket are keeping no stone unturned to ensure that security is foolproof when India take on Pakistan in the T20 World Cup next month, with continued political tensions between the two neighbouring countries that have also affected their cricketing relations.
The island nation will host 20 of the 55 T20 World Cup games, including six Super Eight matches, with special focus on the blockbuster India-Pakistan clash on February 15 at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium.
Elite commando units, tasked with protecting visiting heads of state, will be deployed to safeguard all teams and ensure the tournament runs well. Sri Lanka, however, has given the India-Pakistan clash top priority, with Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage telling AFP that the country is ‘paying special attention’ to the Group A match.
“From the time they step out of the airport till they return to their aircraft, they will be protected by armed guards,” an official said.
Pakistan declined to play their games in India because of political tensions, leading the International Cricket Council to move their matches to neutral Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh tried to have their games moved out of India because of security fears as well, but the ICC rejected the request.
An irate Bangladesh then pulled out of the tournament, with Scotland brought in as their replacement. Pakistan has hinted it might still boycott the event in solidarity with Bangladesh.
