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Black banned for Kanpur ODI

November 06, 2007 16:18 IST

A black T-shirt or even a pair of black socks would cost a bona fide ticket holder his entry into the Green Park Stadium which hosts the third India-Pakistan ODI in Kanpur on Sunday.

In an effort to ensure that Chief Minister Mayawati, chief guest of the match, does not face protest from political rivals and is not greeted with black flags, the administration has decided not to allow anyone wearing black enter the stadium.

Even black socks will not be allowed inside, District Magistrate Alok Kumar said.

"We are forced to take such strict measures to prevent any untoward incident as the city is very sensitive," Kumar said.

Fans at Green Park would be allowed to carry flags of both countries, but without flagstaffs, he added.

"Fans from both the countries can carry national flags to encourage the players, but they will not be allowed to carry flagstaffs with them," Kumar said.

There will also be the usual ban on carrying plastic bottles, eggs, tomatoes, mobile phones and cameras.

To keep an eye on potential trouble-mongers, the authorities will install closed circuit cameras in the stadium and plaincloth policemen will be deployed to prevent any untoward incident. Cops will also be stationed at the team hotel, on rooftops as well as near trees.

"Screening of the match at public places have also been banned and people can watch the match only in their homes," Senior Superintendent of Police Rajiv Sabbarwal said.

About 250 Pakistani fans are expected to watch the match at Kanpur and a close watch would be kept on them.

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