On the eve of India vs Pakistan 2023 World Cup clash, Narendra Modi Stadium was buzzing with activity. Last minute touch-ups were being applied to the venue ahead of the marquee clash and there was a lot, I repeat a lot, of security personnel.
From Gujarat Police to Rapid Action Force to bomb squad teams, they were dressed in different uniforms but all have the same goal of keeping the venue safe before, during and after the game.
There will be thousands from the Gujarat Police alone stationed at the venue today and tomorrow. The road leading to the stadium will be shut early in the morning on Saturday and only spectators/officials with proper parking stickers/permits will be allowed beyond the barricaded zone.
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“Security is going to be very tight. We will have a staff of more than 20,000-25,000 at least tomorrow, can even be more. There will be no shortage of personnel here,” says a senior inspector stationed near the main entrance of the stadium.
Around the stadium, there will be four teams of Chetak Commandos guarding the venue from inside and each team will have an armoured vehicle at their disposal. Dressed in completely black uniforms, the commandos are hard to miss even from some distance. The pair of black sunglasses further enhance their all-black look.
During their final round of co-ordination talk and briefing, the group was spotted inspecting their automated weapons too. They certainly looked ready!
“We are mostly called for extreme and sensitive situations. That is what we are for. Yes, that is a fully bullet proof vehicle (pointing to a van standing behind them) and we will have these in four zones around the stadium,” says a member of the Chetak Commandos team.
In addition to them, various teams of cybercrime, crime branch, economic offences wing and special operations group will also be present at the venue.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah himself took stock of situation and preparations when Pakistan cricket team was practicing amid tight security at the Narendra Modi Stadium last evening.
It will be safe to say that for every Pakistan player practicing there were four police personnel at least who ensured seamless entry and exit for the players from main ground to the practice area and vice-versa. The team bus too had a thick security cover while entering and exiting the stadium and the number is only going to increase on match day.
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