Odisha police to put in place tight security for India-Lanka one-dayer

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Cuttack/Bhubaneswar, Oct 24:

The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack commissionerate police today had the first preparatory meeting on security arrangements for the one-day international match between India and Sri Lanka to be played at Barabati stadium in Odisha’s Cuttack city on November 2.

It was decided at the meeting that the police would take charge of security in and around Hotel Mayfair, where the players of both the teams would stay, on October 29, a day ahead of their arrival here.

As per the schedule, both teams would leave for Barabati stadium for net practice on October 31 and November 1.

“Full-proof security would be provided to the players of both the teams from the city airport to Hotel Mayfair. Besides, escort teams would accompany the teams when they travel from Bhubaneswar to Cuttack for their net practice at Barabati stadium and also on their return journey to Bhubaneswar,” police commissioner Dr RP Sharma said.

Sharma also informed that the police will conduct a thorough security check of the stadium two days before the match after which armed policemen would be deployed inside the stadium.

Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) secretary Asirbad Behera said gate no 2 and 3 of the stadium would be opened at 9.30 AM, four hours ahead of the scheduled start of the  match, to avoid the rush of spectators and to facilitate smooth entry of the players.