This decision was taken at a meeting convened by Sharma, on Friday, November 6. The Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) president Ranjib Basal, Secretary Asirbad Behera and top security officers also participated in this meeting.

 

Stating that there would be no compromise on security, Commissioner of Police B K Sharma said that, all arrangements would be made for transportation of players, most of whom were provided with 'Z or Z Plus' category security.

"We have been taking all measures to prevent any kind of possible terrorist activities", Sharma said.
The security factor has assumed importance in the wake of the attack on the Lankan team near Gadaffi stadium at Lahore, earlier this year. There was also an unsavoury incident involving Greg Chappell during the India – West Indies One-day International (ODI) held here. A political activist had slapped the former Indian cricket coach Chappell, when he was coming out of the airport in Bhubaneswar.

 

The Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) officers, including Biswal and Behera, are satisfied with the proposal on security arrangements. They are also happy with the gate-control arrangements.

 

Meanwhile, the association has announced that, despite threats from a local group, cheer girls would be seen during the match on December 21.

"We will have cheer girls at the stadium for amusement of audience. However, they will not be Odissi dancers", OCA secretary Asirbad Behera said after the preparatory meeting with the commissioner of police. The cheer girls would perform to the tune of popular Oriya songs.

Earlier, Kalinga Sena, a local socio-political outfit, had threatened to damage the pitch, if the OCA had introduced cheer girls at Barabati, saying the concept was contrary to the state's culture and tradition.

 

The capacity of the stadium has also been increased to 40,000 from the earlier capacity of 31,000 seats.