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Bhubaneswar: With security for players and the scheduled matches for the ICC Women’s World Cup matches remains an issue of paramount importance, the state government on Monday assured to provide adequate security for the mega event.
“We ensure smooth conduct of all the World Cup matches including security for players,” DGP Prakash Mishra said after a meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik in which Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) president Ranjib Biswal, secretary Ashirbad Behera and Cuttack-Barabati MLA Debashis Samataray were also present.
The high-level discussion followed the OCA official’s morning meet with the top cop in which he had said that since the state had got the opportunity to host the mega event, steps would be taken to extend every possible help regarding security.
“Odisha will gain name in international arena due to the prestigious matches. So, it should not be opposed. Every possible help will be provided,” Mishra had said.
But hopes of the state which volunteered to host all the 11 matches of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2013 received a further blow on Monday with anti-Pak protesters resorted to a road blockade on NH-5 in Cuttack. Over hundred sloaganeering agitators belonging to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Viswa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a sit-in on the national highway-5 causing traffic chaos for hours and stranding hundreds of vehicles.
The activists led by BJP leader Ashok Sahu raised anti-Pak slogans on the road giving a harrowing time for the police to control the crowd.
“We’ll not allow Pakistani players in our state. We condemn the decision to host the matches involving Pakistani players in Odisha,” said Sahu.
The DGP after the meeting with Naveen Patnaik however said, “It’s not a matter of India and Pakistan. We can’t exclude any particular team in the event which is being organised by the ICC.”
As per the schedule, Pakistan team is set to arrive in India on January 26 and will open their campaign against Australia on January 31. They will play their second match against New Zealand on February 3 and the final group B match against South Africa on February 5.
