ODI World Cup 2023: 11,000 security personnel to be deployed for India-Pakistan clash

A high-level security arrangement has been made at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the ODI World Cup clash between India and Pakistan after threats emerged, according to Ahmedabad Commissioner of Police G S Malik. The world's largest cricket stadium will host the high-octane clash between the arch-rivals on October 14.

Over 11,000 security personnel from numerous agencies, including the Gujarat Police, NSG, RAF, and home guards, would be stationed in Ahmedabad and the stadium. It is worth mentioning that there has not been any communal violence in Ahmedabad during cricket matches played in the city in the last 20 years, however, as a measure of precaution, security forces will be stationed at sensitive sites.

Earlier on October 9, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a meeting in Gandhinagar with Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, state DGP Vikas Sahay, G S Malik, and other senior police officers. In a press conference following the meeting, Malik stated that the chief minister examined the security arrangements and asked the police to take all necessary precautions to ensure the event went off without a hitch. 

"Along with more than 7,000 police personnel, we will deploy nearly 4,000 home guards to secure the stadium and to maintain law and order in communally sensitive areas of the city during the match. In addition to these personnel, we will deploy three 'hit teams' and one anti-drone team of the NSG. Nine teams of our bomb detection and disposal squad will also be utilised," Malik said.

On the match day, four senior IPS officers, including the inspector general and deputy inspector general, and 21 deputy commissioner of police (DCP) rank officers will oversee and direct the security personnel. 

"Apart from 13 companies of the state reserve police (SRP), we will deploy three companies of Rapid Action Force as part of our security setup. The RAF will keep a watch on communally sensitive areas of the city. To help people in case of a stampede, we have already prepared an evacuation plan and rehearsals are also going on at the stadium," Malik added.

Mumbai Police receives blow up threat

According to reports, Mumbai Police had received an email from an unidentified sender who threatened to injure the prime minister and blow up the Ahmedabad stadium. The sender also asked for INR 500 crore and the release of infamous gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. However, GS Malik stated that such threats have been "assessed" and that the city police are well-prepared to cope with any circumstance.

"We have assessed such threats and made our deployment plan accordingly. Moreover, such an elaborate security arrangement is necessary when more than one lakh spectators are going to come to watch the match. We also took into account the fact that it will be a sensitive match and it can create communal disturbance," Malik further said.