Kolkata police assure elaborate security for Pakistan

The city police has assured the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) of putting in place elaborate security arrangements for the visiting Pakistan team and the World Twenty20 matches to be played at the Eden Gardens, an officer said on Friday.

"We are ready with all the security arrangements and have conveyed to the CAB that we will provide elaborate security for the matches at the Eden with special focus on the Pakistan team," said the officer.

The city police led by its chief Rajeev Kumar on March 7 inspected the stadium which is to host several matches including the March 19 high-voltage India-Pakistan clash and expressed satisfaction with the facilities.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who on Thursday had written to CAB chief Sourav Ganguly assuring security, reiterated her government's cooperation on hosting Pakistan.

"Whoever comes to Bengal is our guest and it is our duty to take care of them. Law and order is a state subject, and whatever cooperation the ICC or the BCCI seeks in hosting the match, we will provide that," Banerjee said.

The Pakistan team is expected arrive in the city on Saturday following assurances from the Indian government of providing adequate security.

The Pakistan government had demanded a written assurance from India on security to its players after protests by serving and retired soldiers of the Indian Army and political leaders in Himachal Pradesh forced the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift the group match against hosts India from Dharamsala to Kolkata.