Ahead of their critical IPL 2024 match, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) canceled their only practice session at the Gujarat College ground in Ahmedabad. Although no official reason was given, a report from the Bengali daily Anandabazar Patrika cited Gujarat Police officials suggesting a security threat to Virat Kohli.
This report followed the arrest of four suspected ISIS terrorists by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) at the Ahmedabad International Airport. The suspects were taken to an undisclosed location for interrogation regarding their presence at the airport on the same day that three IPL teams arrived in Ahmedabad for the playoffs. Searches of the suspects’ hideouts uncovered arms, suspicious videos, and text messages.\
Also Read: Heeramandi: A place where women ruled
Both the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and RCB management were informed about the terror threat. While RR went ahead with their practice session at the Gujarat College ground, RCB chose to cancel theirs. “Virat Kohli learned about the arrests after arriving in Ahmedabad. He is a national treasure, and his security is our utmost priority,” said police officer Vijay Singha Jwala. “RCB did not want to take a risk. They informed us that there would be no practice session. Rajasthan Royals were also informed about the development, but they had no problems going ahead with their practice.”
Security was heightened outside the hotel where RCB players and staff are staying, with a separate entry created for the team. The RR team also practiced under tight security, with police guarding the ground.
RCB is set to play against RR in the IPL 2024 Eliminator match on Wednesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Kolkata Knight Riders secured their spot in the IPL 2024 final by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad, and the winner of tonight’s match will face SRH in Qualifier 2 on May 24.
