Security tight for IPL matches after B'lore blasts

Heavy security arrangements have been made in and around D Y Patil Sports Stadium in Navi Mumbai where the two semi-finals and final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held, police said today.  

In the backdrop of twin blasts at Bangalore's Chinnaswamy Stadium, security has been beefed up at D Y Patil Sports Stadium in Navi Mumbai, they said.  

The two semi-finals of the IPL were to be held in Bangalore on April 21 and 22, but have been shifted to Navi Mumbai following Saturday's twin blasts. The final is to be held on April 25 at Navi Mumbai.  

After reviewing the security arrangements at the ground, Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) A N Roy said all security measures have been taken to ensure the matches pass off without any disruption.

"The ticket holders will have to come empty handed as no bags, mobiles and water bottles will be allowed inside the ground," Roy told PTI.  

The stadium authority has also been given instructions about 'Do's and Don'ts', Roy said adding that parking facility has been made a bit away from the ground. However, he did not specify how far it would be from the stadium.  

Responding to a query, Roy said, "It is clear from the fact of explosions in Bangalore that IPL is on their (terrorists) target list. Keeping this in mind, the required number of police deployment has been made at the venue."  

He assured people of full security and appealed to them not to panic over any rumour.