Cuttack: Taking a leaf out of the unsavoury incident that took place during T20 match between India and South Africa at Barabati stadium on October 5 last year, the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) today said no spectator will be allowed to carry water bottles inside the stadium during the One-day match between England and India on January 19.
A decision to this effect was taken at a preparatory meeting presided over by Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Central AB Ota here this afternoon.
Talking to mediapersons after the meeting, OCA secretary Asirbad Behera said it was decided that since spectators will not be allowed to carry water bottles inside the stadium, the Public Health Department (PHD) will be requested to make adequate arrangements to provide drinking water inside and outside the stadium for them. “The RDC and the Collector assured us to provide us with all support for smooth conduct of the match,” he added.
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Behera also said that to ensure more security for the players, a decision has been taken to cover all galleries of the stadium with nets to prevent the spectators from throwing any heavy object at the players when the match is underway.
“This apart, to keep a watch on spectators indulging in nefarious activities,132 CCTV cameras will be installed inside the stadium,” he pointed out.
Talking about the match, he said the OCA has decided to open its counter at Barabati Stadium for two days on January 16 and 17 for sale of tickets for the spectators who will watch the event in galleries.
Notably, the England team, who are presently on tour to India, will play 5 Tests, 3 ODIs and 3 T20 matches against the hosts
Of the three ODIs, the visitors will play the second ODI at Barabati stadium on January 19 while the first and second ODI would be played at Pune and Kolkata on January 15 and 22 respectively.