ICC Women’s World Cup: Team confined to stadium as Indian hotels turn cold

Organisers vow to provide fool-proof security to Pakistani cricketers.

KARACHI:

In the wake of protests and threats by India’s right-wing parties, the Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) was forced to arrange separate accommodation for the Pakistan women’s team inside the Barbati Stadium in Cuttack, after five-star hotels showed reluctance to provide hospitality.

According to The Times of India, “The Pakistani players would have faced trouble while travelling from Bhubaneswar to Cuttack for the matches,” said OCA secretary Asirbad Behera. “So we have arranged for their accommodation on the Barabati Stadium premises.”

Pakistan reached Cuttack from New Delhi on Sunday to participate in the ICC Women’s World Cup. The side, led by Sana Mir, was escorted by a heavy deployment which safely took the visiting side to the stadium.

Several parties in India had issued warnings against Pakistan’s participation in India due to cross-border tensions which had forced the Indian board to move their matches from Mumbai.

According to the report, as most hotels in the city refused to host the Pakistani side under immense pressure and threats, the team will be confined to the stadium throughout the tournament. However, the remaining group B teams playing their matches in Cuttack – Australia, New Zealand and South Africa – will stay in hotels in Bhubaneswar.



Right-wing religious parties had warned hoteliers in Bhubaneswar against offering “hospitality to the Pakistani players”, following which posh hotels in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack withdrew, forcing the decision to house the players on the stadium premises.

However, the OCA promised the best lodging for the team at the stadium.

“Accommodation for the Pakistan team became a headache,” an OCA official told The Times of India before adding that the decision was taken to ensure safety for the visitors.

“We will provide five-star facilities to the players at the Club House in the stadium. The Club House is equipped with a world class gymnasium and swimming pool.

Amid heightened security 

According to Indian media reports, around 600 security personnel, including officials, Special Security Battalion and Odisha police were deployed upon the team’s arrival to ensure their safety on the way to the stadium.

Director General of Police (DGP) Prakash Mishra visited the stadium to review the security set-up and held discussions with OCA officials about the arrangements, the report revealed. “Matches involving the Pakistan team will be played at Barabati and elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure foolproof security to the players,” the DGP was quoted as saying.

Manager urges fans show up at matches 

Meanwhile, Pakistan team manager Ayesha Ashar said her side was well-prepared to put up an exciting performance in the World Cup.

“I am grateful for receiving a warm welcome from all the fans,” said Ayesha after her arrival in Cuttack. “I will ask Indian fans to come in numbers to watch our matches.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29^th, 2013.