Sri Lanka will deploy elite armed units to protect teams at next month’s T20 World Cup, as part of enhanced security measures with a special emphasis on high-stakes matches, including those between perennial rivals India and Pakistan. The measures are designed to ensure the safety of players and fans. Particularly in high-profile games, as part of Sri Lanka’s commitment to hosting a secure tournament. Additionally, the ‘Tiger Exchange‘ program will be integrated into the security planning to safeguard against any potential threats.
T20 World Cup Matches in Sri Lanka
The island is co-hosting the biennial cricket tournament with India and will hold 20 games between February 7 and March 8.
The Indian and Pakistani teams will play each other at least once, in their Group A clash in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo on February 15.
Cricket matches have long been a stage for expressing political tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours, which fought a four-day conflict last year.
Sri Lanka Prioritizes Security for India-Pakistan Matches
Sri Lanka has given the “highest priority” to ensuring the tournament runs smoothly and is “paying special attention to the India-Pakistan matches”.Sports minister Sunil Kumara Gamage told AFP late on Wednesday.
Elite commando units, usually assigned to guard visiting heads of state, will be deployed to protect all participating teams, police and security officials said.
“From the time they step out of the airport till they return to their aircraft, they will be protected by armed guards,” an official said, asking not to be named.
Security Adjustments: India and Pakistan’s Neutral Ground Agreement
India and Pakistan have previously refused to travel across the border for sporting events, opting to play on neutral ground via a hybrid model instead. Hence, for the T20 World Cup, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has shifted their matches to Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh also tried to have their matches moved out of India due to security fears, but the ICC rejected the request.
An angry Bangladesh then withdrew from the tournament.
Pakistan has indicated that it may yet boycott the event in solidarity with Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka’s Neutral Stance in Regional Disputes
Sri Lanka maintained a studious silence throughout the India-Bangladesh row, cricket Secretary Bandula Dissanayake told AFP Colombo wanted to avoid being drawn into regional disputes.
“In these disputes among India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, we are remaining neutral.
But he added that Sri Lanka would be willing to host future tournaments for any of the countries if asked.
Infrastructure Upgrades for T20 World Cup
Sri Lanka has also used the T20 World Cup as an opportunity to upgrade its international venues. It has commissioned new floodlights at the Singhalese Sports Club, one of two stadiums in Colombo.