IPL-4: Security lapses in Kochi

Team Kochi continues to be in the news. This time, the owners have alleged serious breach of security protocols during their home matches. Even the Indian Premier League (IPL) authorities have pointed out security lapses during the home matches of Kochi Tuskers India.

At the working committee meeting here on Wednesday, a report was presented to the members, where the inadequacies in security in Kochi were discussed. The members are believed to havetaken a serious view of the situations in the southern IPL centre. According to a report prepared by IPL COO Sundar Raman, security breaches had occurred at about four stages. Raman was particularly serious about the free public access to the team buses outside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. He has pointed out that that the members of public had an easy access to the busses, which remained unattended during the matches.

Besides, it was also said that the team and match officials have not been given escorts. One concern, in particular, was the absence of security escorts from the airport to the hotels for the players. The report also castigates the security system in and outside the stadium. The Board, however, has not taken a decision on the matter.

Franchise owners, too, have written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India and IPL authorities pointing out ill-treatment by the state police. One owner even went to the extent of saying that the people without tickets were being let inside the stadium. They even alleged that the police have resorted to intimidating tactics.

However, the Kerala Cricket Association rubbished the claims. “Wednesday’s match was conducted smoothly. But we cannot be faulted for security because it is a franchise concern,” KC Matthews, KCA secretary, told DNA.

Meanwhile, it was learnt that the Kochi and Pune Warriors will seek arbitration on the rejection of their demand for discount on their annual franchise fee.

With BCCI giving them only three days to clear the dues, the teams might make the needed payment as the Board threatened to invoke the bank guarantee but they might do so under protest.