Kolkata top cop in Eden ahead of ICC visit

City Police Commissioner Gautam Mohan Chakraborty on Monday visited the Eden Gardens, one of the World Cup match venues, and advised the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to ensure deadline on completing the renovation for smooth security arrangements.

His visit comes a day ahead of a five-member International Cricket Council’s final inspection on Tuesday for four World Cup matches.

A five-member ICC delegation is expected here Tuesday to review the renovation of the Eden Gardens and report to higher authorities
shortly regarding preparedness of the stadium.

Eden is now virtually running against time to complete the renovation work. The historic stadium will host its first World Cup match of this edition on Feb 27 between India and England.

City Police Chief after visiting the Edens suggested the CAB to put glass cover around the ‘Venue Operation Centre’, so that security personnel can have better viewing of the stadium.

He also suggested different colours of tickets for different prices and enclosure (block) so that movement of traffic could be managed smoothly.

Police also want the CAB to arrange drinking water in pouch for visiting fans and ensure proper entry and exit points and other
logisitic supports require for a big stadium.

The city police had earlier told the CAB to hand over the ground exactly 30 days before the first match is held.

But now, since the renovation work is not complete, the police said at least make it within three weeks time for better security
management.

Later, CAB Joint Secretary Biswarup Dey said the renovation was going on according to ICC guidelines and everything will be provided
for security purpose as suggested by the city police commissioner.

Mr Chakraborty said the works were going on satisfactorily as per logistics.

Mr Dey said the stadium will be ready as required by the ICC.

The CAB missed two deadlines to finish the work on Nov 30 and Jan 15 and now hope to hand over the stadium by Jan 31.

Tournament Director and Chief Administrative Officer of BCCI Ratnakar Shetty will be with the ICC team visiting Tuesday.

After India Vs England match, Eden will host matches between Ireland Vs South Africa on March 15, Ireland Vs Netherlands on March
18 and Kenya Vs Zimbabwe on March 20.