By IANS,
Jaipur : A thick security cover will be in place at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here for Saturday’s Indian Premier League match between Rajasthan Royals and Bangalore Royal Challengers. The state government and the organisers are taking no chances in the wake of Tuesday’s serial blasts that rocked the city.
IPL have appointed a leading sports security consulting firm to oversee the arrangements while the state government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safety of the players.
“Nicholls Steyn and Associates, security adviser to the league, has been appointed to oversee the security arrangements for the players and officials and to advise on the security plans at stadium,” IPL chairman and commissioner Lalit Modi said in a statement Friday.
The company were also the security advisors in Cricket World Cup in the West Indies and the 2006 Champions Trophy in India. They will work closely with the teams.
“The recommendations made by Nicholls Steyn and Associates will be implemented in totality as safety of the players is of paramount importance,” said Fraser Castellino, chief executive of Emerging Media which owns Rajasthan Royals.
Overseas players, including Royals captain Shane Warne and Shane Watson, had reportedly expressed concern after serial blasts ripped through the heart of the Pink city killing over 60 people.
Modi said the concerns of the players have been addressed and they have decided to continue with the remaining part of IPL. He also said he has discussed the security matter with chief minister Vasundhara Raje and home secretary V.S. Singh, and they have assured full security cover for the match.
“I have also personally spoken with Shane Warne and some of the Rajasthan Royal players assuring them of the necessary security arrangements being put in place,” Modi said.
Warne, Watson, and South African captain Graeme Smith – presently holidaying in Goa – are to return to Jaipur Friday evening while the Royal Challengers team have already arrived here.
As a mark of respect to the victims of the terror attacks, both Rajasthan Royals and Bangalore Royal Challengers will wear black armbands.