Cricket: Win or lose, stay calm, police advise citizens

Traffic police say they have plans for both scenarios.

LAHORE:

Wednesday’s cricket match between Pakistan and India is a potential security concern as a victory for the national team could lead to a traffic nightmare as joyful supporters take to the streets. A defeat, on the other hand, might provoke public furor, concerned officials disclosed on Monday.

A police official said that winning or losing this match is very serious business for many people and a strong public reaction could not be ruled out. He said police contingents needed to be kept on stand-by. The areas where the matches are screened are more likely to face problems, he said. Saddar police superintendent (Traffic) Asif Zafar Cheema told The Express Tribune that the city traffic police was aware of the traffic concerns and there was a plan in place to have 2,000 traffic police on duty Wednesday evening.

He said that he expected the youth to come out on roads to celebrate if Pakistan won. SP Cheema said dancing in front of cars, wheelies and stunt driving would not be allowed. “People can express their feelings but there should be no inconvenience to the public.” He said he wanted Pakistan to win but in case of defeat people must keep in mind that this is only a game and losing is part of sports.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 29^th, 2011.