Sri Lanka has announced enhanced security measures for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with special attention on matches between India and Pakistan, officials told AFP. The island nation is co-hosting the tournament with India, hosting 20 matches from February 7 to March 8.
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Elite commando units, typically assigned to protect visiting heads of state, will be deployed to safeguard participating teams throughout the tournament. Players will be accompanied by armed guards from the moment they arrive at the airport until departure, according to security officials. Sri Lanka’s sports minister, Sunil Kumara Gamage, said the highest priority is ensuring the tournament runs smoothly, with particular focus on the India-Pakistan Group A match in Colombo on February 15.
The heightened security comes amid ongoing political tensions between the two South Asian rivals, which fought a four-day border conflict last year. Pakistan has already refused to play its matches in India, prompting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move the fixtures to neutral venues in Sri Lanka. Bangladesh sought similar relocation for its matches but was rejected, with Scotland drafted as a replacement for Bangladesh. Pakistan has indicated it may boycott the event in solidarity with Bangladesh, though no final decision has been announced.
Sri Lanka has remained neutral in regional disputes, with Cricket Secretary Bandula Dissanayake emphasising the country’s desire to avoid being drawn into political conflicts. “All of these are friendly nations,” he said, adding that Sri Lanka is willing to host future tournaments for any country if requested.
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The tournament has also provided an opportunity for Sri Lanka to upgrade its venues. New floodlights have been installed at the Singhalese Sports Club in Colombo, while Pallekele Stadium in Kandy, which survived a cyclone in November, will host a T20 international between Sri Lanka and England ahead of the World Cup.