The 2023 edition of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup is all set to kick off on October 5. The quadrennial event, featuring 10 teams, will be played in India across 10 venues.
Ahmedabad, Delhi, Dharamsala, Lucknow, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad will host the World Cup matches.
With only a couple of days left for the showpiece tournament, a report published in PTI claimed that the Gujarat Cricket Association has created half a dozen medical kiosk with six mini ICUs inside the Narendra Modi Stadium for any kind of emergency.
As many as five matches of the World Cup will be held in Ahmedabad, including the tournament opener between England and New Zealand.
According to the report, 3000 police personnel and 600 members of private security will patrol the stadium premises and the adjoining perimeter during the opening fixture.
The second match in this stadium will be the high-voltage India versus Pakistan clash on October 14, and it is likely to draw a capacity crowd of 132,000.
"We have tried to create the best experience for everyone as per the standards and guidelines from the ICC and the BCCI," Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) secretary Anil Patel told PTI in an exclusive chat.
"Six medical kiosks and as many mini ICU stations will be available around the stadium for the fans during the matches," he said, adding that free water for fans will be available at the stadium.
This is a groundbreaking initiative by the state association. Considering the large gathering of spectators for the opening match and the India-Pakistan encounter, ensuring top-quality medical facilities is imperative.
Another commendable initiative by the GCA is the provision of special seating for 20 critically ill children suffering from cancer during the England-New Zealand match.
"20 kids, who are suffering from cancer will watch the game along with their doctors. Their doctors will accompany them and they will be placed in a special area which is not accessible to everyone in order to prevent exposure," Patel stated.
While thousands of security personnel will be deployed for the opening match, the number will be higher for the high-octane India-Pakistan clash.
"600 private security personnel and about 3,000 police personnel, including those handling traffic, are expected to be deployed for the opening match here," Patel told PTI. "For the India Pakistan match, 800 and more private security along with police personnel exceeding 4,000 will be there," he added.
Both local police and NSG commandos have carried out security drills, conducting exercises during both daylight and nighttime hours. The stadium has a quick evacuation policy, enabling the safe exit of the entire crowd within just half an hour. Parking facilities are also top-notch, with space for approximately 5,000 two-wheelers and 700-800 four-wheelers.
The stadium will also host the England versus Australia clash on November 4 and the South Africa versus Afghanistan match on November 10.
(With PTI Inputs)
