An iron-tight security blanket enveloped the Wankhede Stadium from Saturday morning to ensure no untoward incident takes place during the Cricket World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka.
A three-tier security check, including metal detectors, baggage detectors and sniffer dogs, was put in place and every one was physically frisked by CISF personnel before they were allowed entry into the stadium.
Coins were not allowed to be carried in by media personnel covering the match.
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The Mumbai police had also put in place elaborate traffic rules and regulations and cordoned off many of the approach roads to the stadium situated in South Mumbai adjacent to the landmark Churchgate station.
Each entry point into the stands was manned by 15-20 CISF personnel, according to Mumbai Cricket Association sources.
Gun-toting security staff was also protecting the central square.
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People started lining up to gain entry into the stadium four to five hours before the start of the game at 2:30 p.m.
A host of VIPs, including the two competing countries’ Presidents — Pratibha Patil and Mahinda Rajapakse — were scheduled to witness the game, the first All-Asian summit clash in the history of the tournament.