Ranchi: Security has been stepped up at Jharkhand State Cricket Association International Cricket Stadium ahead of India-West Indies second T20 international on Friday, with barbed-wire barricades installed between spectator galleries and the playing field.The barricades have been installed for the first time following past incidents in which spectators breached security and ran onto the field. Around 150 CCTV cameras have also been installed in and around the stadium to strengthen surveillance, a technical team member said on Tuesday.“Many times, relatives or acquaintances of people working at the stadium enter without tickets. The cameras will help monitor such movement and strengthen security. The wired barricades have also been installed for the first time this time to prevent spectators from jumping onto the field,” the technical team member said, requesting anonymity.Preparations for the much-anticipated match are underway. Ground staff and pitch curators were working on the playing surface and outfield on Tuesday, while barricades have been placed at several points inside and outside the stadium to streamline the movement of spectators.On the second day of ticket sales on Tuesday, a large number of cricket enthusiasts queued up for hours to secure tickets for the match. Mukesh Kumar, a differently-abled cricket fan, said he waited for around half an hour to buy his ticket. “There was no inconvenience as separate counters have been arranged. I am now looking forward to match day,” he said.Police personnel were deployed near ticket counters to regulate crowds, while arrangements are being made to ensure smooth entry and exit. On Monday, ADG-cum-IG, South Chotanagpur Range, Manoj Kaushik, reviewed the security arrangements with senior police officials and JSCA office-bearers.The review covered spectator and player security, parking, traffic management, entry and exit points and emergency preparedness. Kaushik directed officials to ensure adequate police deployment and seamless traffic management. Police have appealed to spectators to follow security guidelines.
