Ahmedabad, March 8 As cricket fans began to gather at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Sunday for the India–New Zealand T20 World Cup final, a comprehensive security setup was in place to ensure the high-stakes match took place safely.
For the first time during the match, designated holding areas were created near Gates 1 and 2 as a precautionary measure to prevent any risk of a stampede, officials said.
The Ahmedabad police have already arrested two individuals for allegedly reselling match tickets.
Defending champions India will face New Zealand at the world's largest cricket stadium in Motera here in the high-stakes T20 World Cup final on Sunday evening. The "Men in Blue" aim to defend their T20 World Cup title and win the trophy for a third time.
"As part of the security measures, around 3,000 police personnel and approximately 1,000 home guards have been deployed. This time, we have created holding areas at gates nos. 1 and 2 near the main road to prevent any possibility of a stampede. We are implementing this for the first time during the match," Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik said.
The police are also using three anti-drone systems, and eight bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS) teams have been deployed as part of the comprehensive security at the stadium, Malik said.
He appealed to spectators to use public transport to ease congestion around the stadium.
Malik said that transport services would operate late into the night to help fans return home after the match.
Special arrangements have also been made to ensure the safety and convenience of female spectators.
To prevent spectators from entering the playing area during the match, special arrangements have also been put in place inside the stadium.
Several senior officers, including a joint commissioner of police and 12 deputy commissioners of police, will remain present as part of the security arrangements at the venue, Malik said.
