Cuttack: The stage is all set for the second T20 international match between India and South Africa to be played at the iconic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack tomorrow (June 12).
Both the teams are scheduled to hit the practice sessions at the Barabati ground today. Ahead of the crucial match, the Commissionerate Police on Saturday claimed to have made elaborate plans for the security of players as well as the spectators.
Police Commissioner Saumendra Priyadarshi said today that visitors to the stadium will have to mandatorily put on masks, amid surge in COVID cases in some parts of the country. Violators will be strictly penalised, he said while reviewing the security at the venue today.
A crowd of around 50,000 inside the stadium and 20,000 outside it, is expected to congregate for the much-awaited tie. Similarly, at least 20,000 two-wheelers are likely to be parked at five designated sites in Cuttack.
As per Cuttack DCP Pinak Mishra, the gates of Barabati stadium will be opened for the entry of spectators from 3 pm tomorrow. The fans will enter the stadium as per the gates mentioned in their respective tickets.
The senior Commissionerate Police officials said that several objects which can be hurled like water bottles, sticks, lighter and helmets have been banned inside the stadium.
Mishra said spectators need to keep their helmets in the parking lot. No water bottles will be allowed as the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) has made adequate provisions to provide drinking water inside the stadium. The spectators will also not be allowed to carry any food items inside the stadium.
“We appeal to spectators not to bring any electronic equipment, sharp objects and coins as well. Only mobile phones will be allowed. As per BCCI guidelines, the OCA has also appealed to spectators to wear face masks and there will be no entry without masks. All the police personnel will also wear masks,” Mishra added.
