The mother of all battles might have already taken place in Mohali when India beat Pakistan, but authorities at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and Maharashtra Police are leaving no stones unturned to ensure that the coveted World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka isn't marred by any security issues. 12,000 security personnel have been assigned to guard against any mishap on Saturday as 33,000 vociferous fans are expected to cheer the Men in Blue in an effort to help them win the biggest prize of One-Day International cricket.
Although around 2,000 personnel were assigned to handle security matters at the Wankhede in the group stages, one of the senior officers in Maharashtra Police said that the number had been increased as the law keepers weren't ready to take any chance.
"We don't expect such a highsecurity environment like the Indo-Pak match on Tuesday, but that doesn't give us the liberty to take things lightly. We have beefed up security since March 26, with Maharashtra Police joining hands with the Rapid Action Force, Commandos, State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
"Mumbai has always been a soft target for terrorists and we don't want to keep anything to chance. Just to make sure that there is no lapse, we have had separate briefing for the senior officers and a different briefing for the sub-ordinates," he told Mail Today.
"While the seniors will take position at the major areas including dressing rooms, ICC lounges, hospitality areas etc, the juniors will be posted at the different gates. Frisking is a must and even the VVIPs won't be spared. At the end of the day it is for their safety, so they shouldn't complain. If
anything, they should come in well in advance to avoid missing the match."
A junior inspector said that while they were following all the orders being given by the seniors, not getting food was proving to be a hindrance. "While we get all top-class facilities on match days, things get really difficult on other days as food brought in from our homes goes bad by lunch time. But then, anything for the country's sake. We have been instructed to be at the ground from 8 am in the morning till 8 pm in the evening. After that there is a change in shift," he said.
No Black Marketing
An MCA official told Mail Today that no scope has been left for the touts to have a field day with the final less than 48 hours away.
"Firstly, we have kept no option for people to come to the stadium and buy tickets - it's completely an on-line process - secondly, the tickets will have the name of the ticket holder. So, it won't be possible for black-marketers to buy online tickets and sell them outside.
"The SRPF personnel present at the entry gates will check identity proofs before letting ticket-holders enter the ground. Under no circumstance will there be any exception to that rule. We hope for a fair final with only those with legitimate tickets getting entry," he said.
