06-Nov-2009 124
Officials of Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) and Police Commissionerate (Cuttack-Bhubaneswar) today announced their preparedness for the smooth and successful conduct of the third One-day International match between India and Sri Lanka at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack on December 21. The officials, led by OCA secretary Asirbad Behera and Police Commissioner Bijay Kumar Sharma discussed the arrangements for the day-night match at a meeting in Bhubaneswar before promising better show than the last time when India beat England by six wickets on the 26/11 last year.
Commissioner Sharma assured that no compromise would be made on the safety and security of players, officials and VIPs. ‘‘Keeping in mind the terrorist attack on the Lankan team earlier this year and a couple of incidents involving security lapses on the occasion of ODIs in the twin-cities, comprehensive security arrnagements would be made for the India-Sri Lanka tie,’’ he said. ‘‘Police would provide adequate security to players and officials at the airport, place of stay in Bhubaneswar, Barabati Stadium and during their 40km bus journey to Cuttack for practice and the match,’’ he added.
The OCA secretary disclosed that both the teams would arrive here on December 19. ‘‘Seventy-five rooms in hotel Mayfair Lagoon have been booked for accommodation of players and officials. Two air-conditioned buses would take the teams to Cuttack. The visiting team would have its practice on December 19 and 20 and the home side on December 20,’’ he elaborated.
Speaking on seating capacity of Barabati Stadium and ticket distribution arrangement, Behera said: ‘‘With the addition of 9,000 seats, the capacity has gone upto 40,000. Of the total capacity, 17,000 would be available for public and 13,500 for sponsors, officials (BCCI, OCA), affiliated units and advertisers. The rest 9,500 would be reserved for complementary passes.’’
The denomination of tickets would vary from Rs 200 (players’ concession) to Rs 8,000 (Corporate Box). Other denominations include Rs 400 (Gallery No 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7), Rs 1,500 (Special enclosure), Rs 3,000 (New Pavilion), Rs 2,000 (Corporate box gallery). All the tickets and passes will bear the unique seal and counter signature of DCP, Cuttack. Tickets for the public will be sold through Allahabad Bank from December 18 at the rate of two tickets per person.
Close circuit cameras would be installed in and around the stadium to keep strict vigil on the proceedings. Around 500 private security personnel would be engaged to help the Commissionerate police. OCA has also insured the ground, other properties alsong with spectators for Rs 14 crores.
Speaking on OCA’s plan to engage Odissi dancers as cheer girls during the match and a political party’s threat dig up the pitch in protes, Behera said: ‘‘Using Odissi dance constume and Oriya album song is an effort to add glamour to the match and at the same time project the state’s culture before the viewers world-wide. The BCCI has given permission for the side-show and we would do it in a descent manner.’’
