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Dickason starts security assessment in Mohali

— Photo: Akhilesh Kumar

THE FINAL WORD: The England team will wait for a thumbs-up from Reg Dickason, the ECB’s Chief Security Officer, before travelling to Mohali for the second Test.

Mohali: In a clear indication that Mohali will remain the venue for the second cricket Test between India and England, the ECB’s security advisor Reg Dickason started the process of assessing the security arrangements here on Tuesday.

Dickason held a series of meetings with Punjab Cricket Association officials and security agencies since arriving here from Chennai where the England team is preparing for the first Test beginning Thursday.

Preliminary meeting

“It was a preliminary meeting to review the security arrangements,” Dickason said, as he emerged out of the meeting with security agencies of Chandigarh and Mohali.

“A detailed meeting will be held tomorrow,” he added.

Later, Chandigarh Police chief S. Srivastava said Dickason was apprised of the security arrangements for the players.

“The Chandigarh and Mohali police had a joint meeting with the ECB representative to ensure safety and security of players,” Srivastava said.

Dickason will be joined by ECB Managing Director Hugh Morris on Wednesday and the duo will inspect the stadium and the team hotel.

They will also have a detailed discussion with the top brass of Chandigarh and Mohali Police and the officials of Hotel Taj where the team will stay.

ECB’s idea

PCA President I.S. Bindra, meanwhile, asserted that ECB had suggested Mohali as the venue for the second Test and at no stage was there any doubt about hosting the match here.

“Mohali as a venue for the second Test was suggested by the ECB. ECB has no reservation against Mohali holding the second Test match,” he said.

Earlier, reports claimed both the English cricketers and their supporters were apprehensive about touring Mohali, on account of its proximity to the Pakistan border.

Bindra said Morris would, on Wednesday, explain the special arrangements required for the England cricket team.

“Morris will also go around the stadium tomorrow and hold parleys with officials of the Taj before giving a final clearance tomorrow evening,” he said. — PTI

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