The security of the Indian cricket team in Delhi has been under scrutiny ahead of the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan as the BRICS Summit is putting pressure on the city’s security infrastructure. The first match of the series will take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on September 13.
The Indian team is in the national capital and is currently preparing for the series. But it is being reported that the team has not received the usual security arrangements while travelling between its hotel and the stadium for training sessions.
According to the report, the team bus was not accompanied by any of the dedicated security vehicles, moving from the hotel to the venue. This is worrying as Delhi is currently hosting the BRICS Summit, a major international event with foreign heads of state, senior government officials, diplomats, international delegations, and other high-profile guests.
BRICS Summit Puts Pressure on Delhi Police
The BRICS Summit will be held in Delhi from September 11 to 13. With so many high-profile international officials in the capital, security agencies are taking on increased responsibilities.
The date of the summit overlaps with the India-Afghanistan T20 series, and the first match is on September 13. The simultaneous handling of two important events has made it difficult for the Delhi Police to have sufficient personnel and security resources to take care of.
According to reports, the police department had communicated its concerns to the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), pointing out the challenge of providing security for the cricket match while dealing with arrangements for the international summit.
The problem was, according to the report, whether enough personnel and resources were available to meet the security conditions of such a large international gathering.
Match to Go Ahead as Scheduled
Despite the security concerns, the opening T20I is expected to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on September 13 as planned.
The DDCA held discussions with the police about the arrangements before deciding to proceed with the match on the date.
While the team has been experiencing some security problems in support of the team during practice-related movements, security arrangements might be strengthened on match day. The police could provide security cover for the game itself when there are large crowds, and the players and officials will need more coordination in order to do so, reports suggest.
India-Afghanistan Three-Match T20I Series
The series will consist of three T20 internationals and will begin in Delhi as the venue. Interestingly, although the matches will be played in India, Afghanistan is the home team for the series.
The series is another opportunity for India to assess the team for the upcoming international trip while playing at home. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will also be trying to take full advantage of the opportunity against one of the best teams in world cricket.
The Indian team being in Delhi has already attracted some attention, and the security concerns have added another dimension to preparations for the series.
Why the Security Issue Matters?
Cricket teams on the bus between hotels and stadiums often need to be in coordination with security arrangements, particularly when international team members and international sporting events are involved. And the security arrangements are even more important if there is a major international summit in the same city.
The BRICS Summit has understandably placed additional demands on Delhi’s security machinery. Foreign dignitaries and other agencies are all involved in the security activities in the capital.
In this context, the absence of escort vehicles for the Indian team during some practice-related travel has raised questions about the security arrangements.
But the reported situation does not mean that the team is not protected. Rather, the question seems to be the level and type of security support available during its movements ahead of the match.
Focus Now on September 13 Match
With the BRICS Summit and the first T20I set for September 13, the authorities will need to coordinate security arrangements carefully.
The Arun Jaitley Stadium match will be one of the big draws, and fans will be watching India take on Afghanistan in the first game of the series. Security agencies will be in a position to ensure the smooth flow of players, officials, spectators, and international guests.
As the BRICS Summit ends and match-day preparations intensify, the final security arrangements for Team India and the stadium will remain closely watched.
Now, on September 13, the India-Afghanistan T20I will proceed as scheduled despite the logistical and security challenges that arise from the overlapping international summit in Delhi.
