London(IANS) : Cricket authorities in India can take a leaf out of the book of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on security at the Twenty20 carnival atmosphere that attracts capacity crowds.
The Indian board, which is going to launch its Indian Premier League in the summer as well as the rebel Indian Cricket League – which got under way at Panchkula, a satellite town of Chandigarh Friday – can adopt the security measures the ECB proposes to introduce from the next county season to prevent potential untoward incidents in the evening’s fun and frolic.
One of the ECB measures is to come down heavily on foul language, particularly racist remarks in view of the growing intolerance and use of intemperate language at the grounds.
The ECB, according to a report in British daily The Guardian, has decided to toughen security measures in county Twenty20 next season to Test-match standards in a concerted attempt to quell a disturbing trend of unruly behaviour.
The success of Twenty20 has brought tensions at small county grounds not used to handling large crowds, with players complaining of racist abuse, thieving and drunkenness.
The ECB has now responded by restricting alcohol to ground sales only, stiffening security for players and introducing a special training scheme for stewards.
Lord’s will be allowed to keep its exemption from the alcohol rule, having won the right from the International Cricket Council to be considered as a special case because of its long tradition of spectators bringing wine-laden picnic hampers and its reputation for well-behaved crowds.
Gordon Hollins, the ECB’s head of venues, said: “There was a real consensus that we should extend many of the procedures at international games to domestic Twenty20 cricket.
“There will also be a zero-tolerance policy concerning foul language, and anyone using racist language shall be subject to prosecution. We are trying to ensure that all those who do wish to drink at matches also consider the spectators around them … We were adamant that we had to nip these issues in the bud.”
Glamorgan’s Robert Croft was one of several county captains to protest last season, complaining after a barrage of abuse in Taunton that it could degenerate into physical violence.
Nic Pothas lodged similar complaints after Hampshire’s coach was stoned at Southgate and valuables were stolen from the dressing room.
Twenty20 has drawn crowds of about 500,000 for the past three seasons, with capacity crowds a common sight, but the ECB is concerned that the light-hearted family atmosphere might easily be lost.