Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) canceled their only practice session at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad ahead of the IPL 2024 Eliminator on May 22, allegedly due to a security threat to star batter Virat Kohli.
RCB is set to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the knockout match of the IPL 2024 in Ahmedabad. The winner of this match will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 on May 24 in Chennai for a chance to play in the final on May 26 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
RCB was scheduled to practice at the Gujarat College ground in Ahmedabad on Tuesday to prepare for the quarterfinal match, but the team decided to postpone without providing an official reason. Some reported that decision was taken to escape the 44 degree temperature of Ahmedabad. The Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, continued with their normal nets session at the same site.
The Narendra Modi Stadium, the Gujarat Cricket Association's main venue, was unavailable for RR and RCB on Tuesday due to the IPL Qualifier 1 match between the Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Gujarat College ground was chosen as an alternative to RCB and RR.
As per the Anandabazar Patrika website, Gujarat police hinted that the primary reason behind RCB canceling their practice session and both sides not holding a press conference was the security threat to Virat Kohli.
The Gujarat police arrested four people from the Ahmedabad airport on Monday night on suspicion of terror activities. Those arrested as suspected militants are believed to be affiliated with the 'ISIS' organization. The police reportedly recovered arms, suspicious videos, and text messages after searching the hideout of the four accused.
The details were shared with RR and RCB. RR took no action, but RCB told the security men that there would be no practice session. According to the report, the RCB provided no formal justification for canceling the practice session so suddenly.
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"Virat Kohli learned about the arrests after arriving in Ahmedabad. He is a national treasure, and his security is our utmost priority. RCB did not want to take a risk. They informed us that there would be no practice session. Rajasthan Royals were also informed about the development, but they had no problems going ahead with their practice,” Vijaysingh Jhala, a police officer was quoted by Anandabazar Patrika.
Security was tightened outside RCB's team hotel. There was a separate entry for all RCB team members, which was not accessible to any other guests in the hotel. Even IPL-accredited media personnel were not allowed to enter the hotel premises.
The report also added that the RR team arrived at the ground using the "green corridor”. RR skipper Sanju Samson arrived late. Ravichandran Ashwin, Riyan Parag, and Yuzvendra Chahal chose to stay at the hotel rather than participate in practice. The RR players present at the training were heavily guarded. Police officers patrolled the entire area.
Security concerns compelled the RR and RCB team management to cancel the pre-match press conference.
(Anandabazar Patrika/ Hindustan Times inputs)
