New Zealand Cricket has tightened security ahead of the pivotal India tour. The security measures will be top-class after there was a mosque attack in Christchurch last year and the Bangladesh team had escaped narrowly. Consequently, the final Test match between New Zealand and Bangladesh was canceled.
India will play the first T20I against New Zealand on January 24 and it would be a 40 days tour. Thus, the security will need to be at the top of their toes. Furthermore, India A side will also tour to New Zealand and they will play three unofficial ODIs and three Test matches.
Security is of utmost importance.
India is expected to reach New Zealand on January 20 after the completion of the three-match ODI series against Australia. Virat Kohli-led side will end their tour on March 4 with the final Test match.
NZC chief executive David White confirmed that extra measures are taking place to make sure everything is in place for the security of the Indian team.
“NZC security has been boosted for all incoming touring teams. However, as it would be counter-productive to disclose details of the security arrangements, we will not be commenting on this matter publicly. We’ve taken the matter very seriously but can’t talk about the “extra measures”. NZC is in constant contact with the BCCI,” NZC chief executive David White told Mumbai Mirror.
Meanwhile, more than 50 people were killed in two mosque attacks in Christchurch last March and the Bangladesh team was in proximity to the attacks as they had come for the Friday prayers.
Following the incident, White had said, “This is shocking. This will change the entire fabric of international sports hosting. We’ll certainly be having to look at our security in depth. I think the idea of New Zealand is a safe haven is gone now.
“This isn’t about cricket; it’s about something much bigger and much more important than that. It’s about life, it’s about respect; it’s about family and community. Cricket and sport take a back-seat to personal welfare,” the NZC official had said.
The security is of utmost importance for both the teams. New Zealand is currently taking on Australia in the third Test match at SCG whereas India will take on Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series from January 5.