India vs England 2nd Test: Unprecedented security for PCA

With just two matches to go of the seven-ODI series between England and India, Mumbai was overpowered by fidayeens and the world watched the nation's nerve centre burn over the next 60 hours. The visiting team made a hasty retreat, with the promise of coming back for a two-test series. While English Cricket Board's (ECB) security advisor Reg Dickason has already arrived in Chennai where the two teams are slated to clash first, Punjab police has planned unprecedented safety arrangements even before receiving an official communication from Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) on the second test match scheduled in Mohali from December 19 to 23.

"Tight arrangements have been made in past also but in the wake of terror attacks in Mumbai and team England expressing security concerns, unprecedented safety measures will be taken," said Mohali SSP Jatinder Singh Aulakh. Refusing to divulge greater details, he added that sniffer dogs will accompany policemen in plainclothes who will mingle with the crowd to keep an eye on any suspicious movement.

"Besides deploying commandos with players, there will be a quick reaction team to tackle any crisis. Tight security around dressing rooms, too, will be ensured and entry allowed to those other than players only after proper verification," said Mohali SP (city) Varinder Pal Singh.

According to media reports, ECB has asked Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) for a list of safety assurances including sharing of high-level safety plan, a group of commandos to accompany the team at all times, an emergency evacuation strategy in case of a terrorist strike and security blanket over England team's dressing rooms. "Security will be provided to the English team as per their request. We have the required manpower and commandos who can thwart any untoward incident. Further strategies will be chalked out after receiving a detailed request from PCA and BCCI," added Singh.

Besides increasing vigil along roads leading up to PCA stadium and entry points coming under round-the-clock surveillance of CCTV cameras, only those vehicles sporting official passes will reportedly be allowed inside parking lots that will be manned by armed security personnel.

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