Security Tightened for India-Pakistan Cricket Showdown in Colombo

The India-Pakistan cricket match in Colombo, part of the T20 World Cup, sees heightened security amid a backdrop of uncertainty. Originally threatened by a Pakistani boycott, the game will proceed with stringent measures and special traffic arrangements to ensure safety and smooth execution.

Special security measures have been implemented ahead of the significant India-Pakistan cricket match in Colombo, as confirmed by Sri Lanka police on Saturday. The match, a crucial T20 World Cup fixture, will take place at the Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.

Tensions arose when Pakistan threatened to boycott the game in solidarity with Bangladesh, but intense negotiations involving the ICC, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, alongside intervention from Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, led to the match's confirmation, averting potential financial losses for co-hosts.

To ensure safety, armed guards will accompany teams from arrival to departure. Spectators are advised to arrive four hours early for the 7 pm start, with gates opening at 3 pm as part of stringent security protocols.

(With inputs from agencies.)