Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have canceled their practice session and press meet ahead of the IPL 2024 Eliminator against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) due to security reasons. The decision comes after four individuals were arrested on suspicion of terror activities, raising concerns about the safety of RCB captain Virat Kohli.
The team was scheduled to practice at the Gujarat College ground in Ahmedabad, but the session was called off without an official reason. This move was in contrast to RR, who proceeded with their regular practice session at the same venue. The unusual cancellation of the press conference added to the intrigue surrounding the situation.
The arrests were made by Gujarat Police at Ahmedabad airport, where the four individuals were apprehended with arms and suspicious materials. The police reportedly informed both RCB and RR about the security threat. While RR continued with their preparations, RCB decided to prioritize the safety of their players and called off the practice session.
Virat Kohli, upon learning about the arrests, expressed concern for his security. A police officer, Vijay Singha Jwala, emphasized, “Virat Kohli is a national treasure, and his security is our utmost priority.” The heightened security measures also included a separate entry for RCB team members at their hotel, restricted access for IPL-accredited media personnel, and police patrols at the practice ground.
Despite the security concerns, the IPL 2024 Eliminator is scheduled to proceed as planned. RCB’s recent form, winning six matches in a row to qualify for the playoffs, has made them a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, RR will be looking to bounce back after losing their last four matches and missing out on a top-two finish.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by IPL teams in ensuring the safety and security of players and officials in an environment where the threat of terrorism cannot be ignored. As the league progresses, teams will need to remain vigilant and prioritize the safety of all involved.
