Foolproof security to be in place at PCA

Punjab Cricket Association on Saturday promised foolproof security arrangements during the two league matches and one semi-final tie of the Cricket World Cup.

"As ICC is holding the World Cup, they have hired a retired DGP-rank officer to draw up overall security plan for all the eight centres in India including the PCA. Our association is also extending all cooperation to the ICC and local police in ensuring foolproof security for the three matches," PCA Secretary M P Pandove told reporters.

He said that the ICC has had consultations with the Union Home Ministry to ensure foolproof security at the venues.

"The retired DGP who has also handled the Commonwealth Games security-related issues has also had a meeting with top police brass of Chandigarh and Punjab," he informed.

The World Cup matches alloted to the PCA include the South Africa vs Netherlands (March 3), West Indies vs Ireland (March 11) and the semifinal on March 30.

"It has also been decided that in case India reaches the semi-final, it will play the match at Mohali," said Pandove, who is also the BCCI's treasurer.

PCA Joint Secretary G S Walia said that the PCA was all geared up to host the three matches.

Walia said that the rate of tickets for the two league matches had been announced and their sale would start from February 21 at the two outlets at the PCA and at designated branches of the Central Bank of India at Mohali, Chandigarh and Panchkula.

He also said that online sales of the league matches had commenced. Pandove also informed that the present capacity of the PCA stadium was between 29,000 to 30,000.