The England and Wales Cricket Board informed the BCCI about the same after consulting with the local authorities in Manchester.
Ahead of the all-important World Cup semifinal between India and New Zealand, the Old Trafford stadium has been made a “No Fly Zone” in Manchester on Tuesday (July 9).
The decision has been taken after a private plane displayed anti-India banners during the team’s last group fixture against Sri Lanka at Headingley on July 6.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) informed the BCCI about the same after consulting with the local authorities in Manchester.
“We had clearly stated about the breach of security and also raised concerns about the security of our players. Accordingly, ECB has sent a confirmation to CEO Rahul Johri that Old Trafford air space has been turned into a ‘No Fly Zone’ for the day,” a BCCI official, privy to the development, told PTI on condition of anonymity.
During the Sri Lanka clash, an aircraft flew over the ground with anti-India banners displaying messages like “India stop genocide and free Kashmir” and “Justice for Kashmir”. This incident riled up the BCCI, who have raised concerns of safety for the players with ICC, who were left "incredibly disappointed" and red-faced.
It was the second such breach of security after another aircraft flew with the banner “Justice For Balochistan” during the game between Afghanistan and Pakistan on June 29. A number of fans were evicted after a fight inside the stadium, which is believed to have been triggered by the banner’s display.
Despite assurances from West Yorkshire Police that such political slogans will not be displayed as they breach ICC’s code, there was no significant action which forced the governing body to express disappointment.
(With PTI inputs)