Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cancelled their training session at the Gujarat College ground on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of Wednesday’s Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals, following a suspected security threat.
The Royals, however, went through their practice session as scheduled.
According to sources in the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) and Gujarat Police, four suspected IS (Islamic State) operatives arrested at the Ahmedabad airport on Monday could be one of the reasons behind the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s decision to skip training. There was, however, no official communication from the franchise.
Sources in the security establishment said on Tuesday that the police had been put on high alert and nearly 5,000 security personnel were deployed at the Narendra Modi Stadium at Motera for the first Qualifier of the IPL in the wake of the arrest of four Sri Lankan nationals, suspected to be IS operatives.
“Security inside and outside has been enhanced and around 5,000 police personnel have been deployed, besides 1,000 private security guards to keep a close eye inside the stadium,” said an Intelligence Bureau official.
According to him, the arrest has led to enhanced security and vigilance inside and outside the stadium to safeguard the fans and players attending the first Qualifier.
“The heatwave (temperatures ranging from 43 to 44-degree Celsius) could also be a reason behind RCB’s decision,” a GCA official said.