The highly anticipated three-match T20 series between India and Bangladesh is set to commence on October 6, at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior. The first match is particularly significant, as it pairs two passionate teams in a charged atmosphere. However, the Bangladeshi team is currently facing opposition in Gwalior due to protests organized by the Hindu Mahasabha, fueled by recent tensions surrounding the treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August. As the situation unfolds, heightened security measures have been implemented across the city to ensure the safety of all involved.
Bangladesh Team’s Decision to Skip Mosque Visit
In light of the prevailing atmosphere, the Bangladesh cricket team opted not to visit the Moti Masjid in Gwalior for Friday prayers. Instead, the players chose to conduct their prayers within the confines of their hotel. A police officer mentioned, “We had made elaborate security arrangements around Moti Masjid, but the Bangladesh team did not come. There was no call from any organization to disrupt their visit,” providing insight into the security measures that were in place for their planned excursion.
Located approximately 3 km from their hotel, the Moti Masjid is a prominent mosque in the Phulbagh area of the city. The police officer suggested that the team’s management likely made the decision to forgo their visit to the mosque. To accommodate their religious practice, ‘Shahar Qazi’ arrived at the hotel to lead ‘Namaz-e-Juma’ for the cricketers between 1 pm and 2:30 pm, ensuring the players could observe their prayers safely.
Robust Security Measures in Place for the Bangladesh Team
Security arrangements for the Bangladeshi players have been robust, especially considering the surrounding circumstances. The distance between their hotel and the Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, where they have been practicing since October 3, is roughly 23 km. Players are moving about freely during their training sessions while remaining under vigilant security. More than 2,500 police personnel have been deployed specifically for the India-Bangladesh T20 match, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday.
According to the police, security personnel will begin patrols in the area from 2 pm on match day, and their duties will extend until all fans have safely returned home after the game concludes. These comprehensive security arrangements aim to provide a safe environment for both teams and their supporters amid the ongoing tensions, allowing fans to focus on the cricket and enjoy the excitement of the match.
