The first impression that you get when you land in Ahmedabad is that something big is happening
Police personnel gather outside the stadium for a briefing yesterday
Besides the dominant green across the lush grass coating of the Narendra Modi Stadium’s outfield, gearing up for Saturday’s blockbuster India v Pakistan clash, if there was one other colour that was most visible on Thursday, it was khakhi—the colour worn by India’s police force. There are cops swarming every nook and corner of this massive venue given the sensitivity of the high profile encounter between cricket’s biggest rivals. “The police strength at the venue is well over 5,000 and these include numerous DSPs [deputy superintendents], ACPs [assistant commissioners], SIs [senior inspectors], PSIs [sub-inspectors] and officials of other ranks. There will also be a very visible army presence on match day besides a van with commandos and even snipers at hand,” revealed one high ranking official, who did not wish to be quoted officially.
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A van belonging to Gujarat’s famous Chetak Commando force outside the stadium. Pics/AFP, Ashwin Ferro
No room with a view!
The first impression that you get when you land in Ahmedabad is that something big is happening. Then, as you step out onto the streets, you know what the buzz is all about—the big ticket India v Pakistan World Cup clash on Saturday. From autorickshaw drivers to cabbies, everyone are busy offering rooms for the enthusiastic cricket fan, who has already spent a bomb on the match ticket which is worth its weight in gold given the few that were up for sale online and disappeared almost instantly. “Dus hazaar maa room chhe [you can get a room for Rs 10,000],” an auto driver tells this correspondent. It’s a huge price, considering decent air-conditioned rooms are normally available in this city for approximately Rs 2000-Rs 3000. “But you will have to inform me soon, else this room also will go,” says the enthusiastic auto driver-cum-hotel marketing agent, as he moves on to make the same offer to another couple of youngsters, who appear to be cricket enthusiasts.
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