A special task force will be deployed at Eden Gardens to beef up security for the much-anticipated first Test between India and the Proteas in Kolkata, starting on Friday, according to reports.
India is on high alert after eight people were killed and a further 20 injured in a car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, which is close to Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The world Test champion Proteas were originally slated to start their five-week all-format tour at the Arun Jaitley Stadium before it was moved to the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata – the venue that hosted South Africa’s first match upon their return from isolation back in 1991.
The excitement in India is reaching fever pitch ahead of the Test with an expected sold out 68 000 capacity crowd expected for the opening day on Friday.
The Kolkata authorities are therefore not leaving anything to chance.
“We are on high alert. Keeping in mind the blast in Delhi, special and additional security arrangements are being made,” a Kolkata Police official was quoted as saying by news agency IANS.
“The Special Task Force (STF) will also be deployed alongside the local police.”
Police sources at Lalbazar, the city’s headquarters, revealed that a three-tier security cordon is being implemented at Eden Gardens — covering the outer perimeter, entry gates, and spectator stands. All movements inside and around the venue will be strictly monitored, with entry checks intensified using metal detectors and handheld scanners.
Officials added that plainclothes police personnel will be stationed both inside and outside the stadium, and any suspicious activity will trigger an immediate response. Entry with bags or prohibited items will not be allowed.
A meeting between the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and senior police officials is scheduled for Tuesday to finalise protocols and review crowd management plans.
Additionally, hotels housing the Indian and South African teams are under enhanced surveillance. Sources said Indian coach Gautam Gambhir’s planned visit to the Kalighat temple may be postponed due to the heightened threat perception.
