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| June 20, 2003 | Friday | Rabi-us-Sani 19, 1424 |
Security beefed up for second ODI
LONDON, June 19: One of the biggest security operations ever seen at an English cricket ground has been arranged for Friday’s second One-day International between England and Pakistan at The Oval.
Surrey officials are determined to avoid any repeat of the mass pitch invasion by Pakistan fans at the end of the opening match of the series at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
The increased security will involve stewards being placed around the perimeter of the ground well before the finish rather than, as is customary, just a few minutes before the end.
“We’ll be forced to have a fairly obtrusive presence of stewards who will form a complete ring round the perimeter for at least 15 minutes before the end of the game,” explained Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon.
“In that way a very clear message is sent to the crowd at an early stage.”
Lancashire have, meanwhile, ordered an inquiry into Tuesday’s pitch invasion following criticism that they had failed to provide adequate security in the face of a known threat.
Two years ago British-based Pakistan supporters staged pitch invasions at Edgbaston, Headingley and Trent Bridge.
Meanwhile, England have been warned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to go back to the drawing board over ground security after a pitch invasion at the end of the first one-dayer on Tuesday night.
ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed told a news conference at Lord’s on Thursday that he thought the issue in England had been resolved two years ago but had been dismayed by the events at Old Trafford.
“Ultimately it’s the ECB’s responsibility. We can’t have international matches where players and officials are subjected to pitch invasions,” said Speed.
“It is a serious issue. It’s very disappointing. I thought that the steps that the ECB had taken in relation to player safety meant they were on top of this issue. I think it’s back to the drawing board.”
England are due to host the Champions Trophy next year.
Speed added: “I see there are calls for legislation and I would support that entirely.”
He said there had been no such difficulties during 52 World Cup matches in South Africa, where moats and extra security staff had been used as a deterrent.—AFP/Reuters
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