Kathmandu, April 15

The Metropolitan Police Office has made foolproof security arrangements for two one-day matches of the ICC World Cricket League Championship in which Nepal will be playing against Namibia at the TU Ground, Kirtipur on Saturday and Sunday.

Police Commissioner AIGP Pratap Singh Thapa said the cricket ground and the participating cricketers will be protected by a special group of security forces in multi-tier rings in and outside the ground.

“At least 773 police personnel under the command of a Superintendent of Police will take security responsibilities of the ICC event extremely seriously and the proposed security arrangements, I believe, will adequately address the potential risks.”

He informed that the security environment had assured the organiser, and Nepal and Namibia players of dependable security for the event to go off peacefully. “The MPO will coordinate with security experts of ICC for enforcement of the security plan,” said AIGP Thapa.

Security plan has been put in place for participating Nepal and Namibia team, sports office-bearers, jury and ICC officials besides putting rescue team on high alert to respond to any untoward incident.

Similarly, the MPC has devised a VVIP and VIP security plan for high-level officials coming to the cricket ground to inaugurate or enjoy the match.

The cricket ground and adjoining areas will be under the surveillance of CCTV camera and plainclothes cops. The MPO has also made arrangements for metal detector and walk-through gate to prevent hooliganism and indecent activities.

Soaltee Crowne Plaza, where the Namibia team is scheduled to stay, will also be under tight security cover. Police will escort the Namibia team from Soaltee Crowne Plaza to the cricket ground and back to the hotel.

“It is out duty and responsibility to provide dependable security cover to Namibia team, ICC officials and other foreign dignitaries until they return home as it is associated with the pride and honour of the country,” said AIGP Thapa.

Anti-crowd control vans, ambulances, rescue and evacuation team, dog sniffing team, bomb disposal team, CCTV control team and escorting team have already been deployed. Police have imposed ban on taking glass objects to the cricket ground, warning that any one involved in hooliganism and anti-social activities will be arrested outright for legal action.