By – Prakarsh Kastwar
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) postponed their only practice session before the IPL 2024 Eliminator against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Ahmedabad because to security worries, particularly around star player Virat Kohli. The session was scheduled at Gujarat College Ground, while Narendra Modi Stadium was already occupied by the IPL Qualifier 1.
Anandabazar Patrika, citing Gujarat Police sources, said that four people were arrested at the Ahmedabad airport on suspected of terror-related offences and possibly posing a threat to Virat Kohli. This resulted in the decision being made. Security increased after the authorities found weapons, suspicious videos, and text messages from the suspects.
While RR continued their practice session at the same location, RCB chose to skip their practice totally. In addition, both teams canceled their pre-match press conferences due to security concerns.
The police made exceptional efforts to ensure the safety of the players, particularly surrounding RCB’s accommodations and during RR’s travel to and from the practice area. Security around the RCB’s hotel was significantly reinforced, with unique entry points for the team and restrictions on IPL-accredited media workers.
The increased security measures and the lack of a practice session emphasize the gravity of the danger and the importance of player safety over ordinary pre-match preparations.
Four ‘Islamic State terrorists’ were caught at Ahmedabad airport, marking a significant success for security officials in an anti-terror operation in Gujarat.
The terrorists, Mohamed Nusrath, Mohamed Nafran, Mohamed Faris, and Mohamed Rasdeen, were apprehended by the Gujarat Police Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Sunday, May 19. All are Sri Lankan nationals who traveled to Ahmedabad via Chennai and Colombo.