England and New Zealand are set to face off in the opening match of the ICC World Cup 2023 on October 5 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. To ensure the utmost security for this high-profile match, a police force consisting of over 3,500 personnel and officers will be deployed.
Ahmedabad Commissioner of Police, Gyanender Singh Malik, stated, “The World Cup is commencing on October 5, with a match between New Zealand and England to be played here. The police have made all the necessary arrangements, deploying over 3,500 officers, including three Additional Commissioners, 13 DCP rank officers, and 18 ACPs, along with 500 home guards.”
He further explained that traffic diversions have been implemented, shared through their social media channels. They have also organized nine bomb disposal squad teams and a quick response team. Evacuation drills are being conducted at the venue to ensure safety.
In this highly anticipated match, New Zealand aims to seek revenge for the defeat they suffered at the hands of England four years ago. This rivalry will be reignited in the opening match of the ODI World Cup campaign.
Commissioner GS Malik urged spectators to watch the match peacefully and avoid conflicts. He mentioned that food items and water bottles are not permitted inside the stadium but encouraged people to bring national flags of their teams without sticks.
Notably, New Zealand will be without their key player Kane Williamson and star pacer Tim Southee. England, too, faces injury concerns as Ben Stokes, who came out of retirement for the World Cup, is dealing with a hip issue and will not be participating against New Zealand.
