Security agencies were put on high alert in Ahmedabad on Friday ahead of the India–Africa T20 match scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in the evening, following a series of recent threat emails in the city.
Ahead of the fifth and final T20 match of the series, intensive security checks were carried out in and around the stadium. Bomb disposal squads and dog squads were deployed outside the venue and conducted detailed searches as part of pre-match security arrangements.
Officials said all areas of the stadium, including entry gates and surrounding zones, were being thoroughly inspected to ensure the safety of players, officials and spectators. The checks began several hours before the match and continued until the stadium gates were opened to the public.
The enhanced security comes in the wake of repeated threat emails received in Ahmedabad over the past few days. Earlier, bomb threats had been sent to several schools in the city as well as the Vadodara Collector’s office, prompting authorities to step up vigilance at sensitive locations.
Police officials said a multi-layered security arrangement involving local police, specialised units and intelligence teams has been put in place. “All standard operating procedures are being followed and there is no need for panic. These measures are purely precautionary,” an official said.
A large turnout of spectators is expected for the fifth T20 match of the India–Africa series at the Narendra Modi Stadium.