Arrangements have been completed for Wednesday’s T20 International match between India and New Zealand in Visakhapatnam.
The Dr YSR ACA VDCA International Cricket Stadium has been decked up and a festive mood prevails, with stalls coming up in the surrounding areas of the venue selling the India team jerseys, caps, national flags and other merchandise. The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has completed barricading and numbering of all entry and exit gates to ensure smooth movement of spectators. Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), has ensured all basic amenities in place for the spectators, including sanitation, drinking water and other facilities.
As part of the bandobast arrangements, around 1,000 police personnel will be deployed during the match. The stadium and its surroundings has been brought under a complete security blanket. Senior police officials were seen supervising arrangements and briefing the personnel on the security measures to be implemented inside and outside the stadium.
According to ACA officials, all tickets for the match have been sold out, and the game is expected to witness a full house.
Meanwhile, large numbers of cricket lovers were seen gathering at a private hotel in Rushikonda, where the Indian team has been accommodated, to catch a glimpse of their favourite players. By evening, players from both Team India and Team New Zealand reached the stadium for an optional practice session. Indian team captain Suryakumar Yadav, along with Abhishek Sharma, Axar Patel, Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi and a few other players, were present during the session.
Traffic restrictions are set to come into force on National Highway-16 from 12 p.m. on Wednesday in view of the match. Heavy vehicles will be diverted via the Anandapuram–Sabbavaram route. APSRTC buses entering and exiting the city will be diverted through the Marikavalasa – Beach Road and Adavivaram – Anandapuram routes. In addition, designated parking areas have been created around the stadium to accommodate vehicles of spectators attending the high-profile match.