ODI World Cup 2023: 11,000 security personnel to be deployed at Narendra Modi stadium for India-Pakistan clash

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has implemented a high-level security arrangement for the upcoming ODI World Cup clash between India and Pakistan due to emerging threats, as reported by Ahmedabad Commissioner of Police G S Malik. Scheduled for October 14, the world's largest cricket stadium will be the venue for this highly anticipated match.

A deployment of over 11,000 security personnel, comprising various agencies such as the Gujarat Police, NSG, RAF, and home guards, is planned for Ahmedabad and the stadium. Despite a lack of communal violence during cricket matches in the city over the past two decades, security forces will be stationed at sensitive sites as a precautionary measure.

On October 9, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel convened a meeting in Gandhinagar with Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, state DGP Vikas Sahay, G S Malik, and other senior police officers. Following the meeting, Malik, in a press conference, mentioned that the chief minister thoroughly reviewed the security arrangements and instructed the police to take all necessary precautions to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.

"Along with more than 7,000 police personnel, we will deploy nearly 4,000 home guards to secure the stadium and to maintain law and order in communally sensitive areas of the city during the match of ODI World Cup 2023. In addition to these personnel, we will deploy three 'hit teams' and one anti-drone team of the NSG. Nine teams of our bomb detection and disposal squad will also be utilised," Malik said.

Rapid Action force to be deployed

On the day of the match, supervision and direction of the security personnel will be handled by four senior IPS officers, which include the inspector general and deputy inspector general, along with 21 officers holding the rank of deputy commissioner of police (DCP).

 "Apart from 13 companies of the state reserve police (SRP), we will deploy three companies of Rapid Action Force as part of our security setup. The RAF will keep a watch on communally sensitive areas of the city. To help people in case of a stampede, we have already prepared an evacuation plan and rehearsals are also going on at the Narendra Modi Stadium," Malik added.