NEW DELHI: With some groups threatening to dig up the pitch at Feroze Shah Kotla Cricket Ground ahead of the third Pakistan-India ODI here on Sunday, about 20 commandos are guarding the ground round the clock.

Twelve hundred security personnel, 72 door-frame metal detectors, 100 CCTV cameras, about 20 commandos manning the pitch — these are part of the elaborate security arrangements the Delhi Police has put in place for the high profile match.  Another 90 police personnel have been put on the job of guarding the stadium round the clock. Thirty men each will work in three shifts, which began at 12pm on Thursday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Devesh Srivastava said: “We have ensured fool-proof security and we will see to it that all security precautions are maintained so that people enjoy the match and the event passes off peacefully.”

Police sources said the arrangements were decided after three rounds of meetings with senior officials of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) and the BCCI. Police said, this time, at least 2,500 Pakistani nationals are expected to attend the match.

Police said anti-sabotage checks were already in place and people will be frisked at all 13 gates of the stadium. The stadium has a capacity of 42,000 people and there will be sign boards for the public to know the circulation plan.

Meanwhile, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has asked the Indian cricket board to consider an early start to the third ODI in view of the heavy winter dew so as to negate an unfair advantage to the side winning the toss.—Agencies