New Delhi: Sri Lanka is set to deploy a unit of elite armed forces for the players and teams travelling to their nation for the T20 World Cup 2026, especially with an eye on the India vs Pakistan battle. The showpiece ICC event begins on February 7 in India and the island nation and the much-anticipated event has been in the news already with the controversy surrounding Bangladesh’s ouster and Pakistan’s drama over taking part in the marquee event.
Because of recent political tensions between neighbouring nations, the step has been taken by the island nation to keep the arrangements perfect keeping in view the global cricketing tournament. Sri Lanka Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage confirmed on Thursday that the government is trying their best to ensure that the tournament runs smoothly, with a special attention to the India-Pakistan match.
Elite commando units to be deployed
It is being learnt the elite commando units, who are usually assigned to guard visiting heads of state, will be deployed to protect all the participating teams, support staff, police and security officials. ‘From the time they step out of the airport till they return to their aircraft, they will be protected by armed guards,’ an official said.
Meanwhile, after Bangladesh got replaced by Scotland for the marquee event after the former refused to travel to India citing security concerns, Pakistan started their drama over participation in solidarity with the Bangladesh side. However, as per few reports in media, Pakistan are set to travel to the island nation for the marquee event and it is just a matter of time till an official confirmation is made.
Earlier, Pakistan refused to play their fixtures in India due to political hostilities, prompting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift their matches to neutral Sri Lanka.