South African security expert assures safe IPL tie

Bangalore Royal Challengers team security head will ensure a peaceful IPL tie in Jaipur.

Bangalore Royal Challengers team security head, who has also been tasked to ensure a peaceful tie between the Rahul Dravid-led team and Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Saturday, promised an incident free match.

Shaun Dippenar, the security expert from South African Nicholal Ben company, which had provided security for the World Cup, arrived in the Pink City to look after the security of the remaining two matches of IPL on May 17 and 26.

Dippenar said it was quite natural that players and their family back home were worried after the serial bomb blasts on Tuesday.

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“It was unfortunate that such a dreaded thing happened in this peaceful city. It is quite natural that players and their families are a bit worried. But we will ensure foolproof security for the match on May 17,” he said.

“I know this stadium well. I am associated with Bangalore team but the IPL authorities have asked me to look after the overall security aspects too,” he added.

Dippenar said he would meet local authorities to take stock of the security aspects of the venue. “Twenty20 has gripped the cricket fans and huge crowd are bound to watch the match. I believe anything harmful and dangerous substance should not be allowed inside the stadium. Thorough frisking is a must at all gates.”

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Cricket Association vice-president Bimal Soni dispelled fears that Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne and a few other players were contemplating to quit the IPL after the serial blasts.

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“We have no such news. The team is reaching here tomorrow evening. They had extended their stay in Bangalore by a day to relax and give some time to Pink City to drift towards normalcy,” said Soni.