Close-in field around Indians

The security hawks were present when India toured Pakistan in early 2004 but those were unprecedented circumstances and at stake was not just a tour but also Indo-Pak diplomatic ties.

This time around, the measures have just stepped up gradually since a security team from India visited Sri Lanka earlier this month.

Now they are everywhere, hanging outside players room, looming in the background when players hit the swimming pool and encircling the lounge when players come out to have a drink in the hotel lobby.

These men are from Indian security agency but posted with Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka. The initiative has come from Nirupama Rao, Indian High Commissioner.

Rao plays down the role of the High Commission and praises Sri Lankan authorities for doing everything within their command to ensure the safety of Indian players.

“I am all praise for the competence and help which Sri Lankan authorities have extended. It’s just a precautionary measure and not as if we have been tipped off on any imminent danger,” says Rao.

The precautionary measure though have been put in place after a series of incidents in Sri Lanka have put the safety of important Indian citizens under concern.

As a follow up to all these measures, a liasion officer has been attached with the Indian team. Security officials have been told that in case of a breach of conduct by the members of the Indian cricket team, he needs to be contacted immediately.