Those driving coaches ferrying the teams will have to undergo strict verification before going behind the wheels, to ensure there is no repeat of Lahore-style attack
Those driving coaches ferrying the teams will have to undergo strict verification before going behind the wheels, to ensure there is no repeat of Lahore-style attack
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WITH the 2009 attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore still fresh in their mind and intelligence reports pointing to Indian Mujahideen (IM) planning such attacks in Mumbai, the BCCI is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the security of visiting teams.
Sources said the board has asked for bulletproof buses for teams to travel from their hotels to the stadium. This demand was, however, withdrawn later due to the non-availability of the buses and the high cost involved in importing them.
"The BCCI made a demand for bulletproof coaches for teams coming for the World Cup matches but they are impossible to arrange.
Their availability is a problem and importing them will involve a very high cost. Hence, the plan was withdrawn at the last moment," said a source from Geetee Travels, the company in charge of logistics for the visiting teams in Mumbai.
"Now that simple coaches will be provided, all the drivers will have their documents verified before they are assigned the task of driving the teams to their destination.
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The BCCI is checking all their details, including their name, address and experience. Only after their identity proofs and photographs are verified will the BCCI give them the special pass required to drive the coaches," he added.
The city will hold its first match in Wankhede Stadium on March 13 with New Zealand and Canada facing off against each other. Two more matches, including the finals, will be held in the city (see box).
"New Zealand has two matches in Mumbai for which they are expected to stay here for a long time and, after the semifinals, the teams playing in the finals will be in Mumbai almost two days prior to the event. So, keeping this in mind, the BCCI has taken a series of steps to beef up security," said a source.
Cops alert
As reported earlier ('T-29 shadow on World Cup games', MiD DAY, February 25), the Mumbai Police is on the lookout for 29 dreaded IM terrorists who are believed to have sneaked into the country over the past few weeks to target World Cup venues.
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Keeping the threat in mind, cops have drawn up a plan of guarding the routes through which the convoy carrying cricketers will be passing.
"The local police stations in the areas through which the convoy will be passing will be on alert on the days of the matches. Armed policemen will also be deployed at all sensitive junctions.
The teams will be staying in hotels which have been struck by terror attacks and more than 200 buses and cars have been booked to ensure they are safe," said a senior police officer.
"From seat belts to fire extinguishers, everything will be made available in the buses in which the teams are supposed to travel. Their safety is the utmost priority," he added.
When contacted Mohan Goyal, owner, Geetee Travels, confirmed that his company is handling the logistics for the World Cup but refused to comment further.
Playing host
The following matches will be played in the city:
Sunday, March 13 (09:30 am): Canada vs New Zealand
Friday, March 18 (2:30 pm): New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
Saturday, April 2 (2:30 pm): Final
Lankans attacked
On March 3, 2009, armed terrorists opened fire at a convoy escorting Sri Lankan players to the Gaddafi stadium for a Test match. Some players were injured in the gunfire.
Did you know?
The Cricket World Cup is being hosted by countries in the Indian sub-continent after 14 years. Sri Lanka won the last World Cup hosted in the sub-continent in 1996.
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