SPORTS

High security forces Dravid to cancel outing

Source:PTI
December 16, 2004 13:59 IST

Rahul Dravid wanted the 'Silver Spoon' but had to settle for the wooden spoon.

The Indian vice-captain was the first 'victim' of the intense security measures put in place in Chittagong when he was not allowed to go out with his wife to the famous chillout zone in the city Wednesday night because there was not enough security personnel to accompany him.

Dravid's agony was compounded by the fact that if he had been a few minutes early, he might have got into the car with his teammates V V S Laxman and his wife, Mohammad Kaif, Murali Kartik, Anil Kumble, Irfan Pathan and coach John Wright.

Dravid almost went down on his knees while pleading the security officer to let him go.

"How come they all can go and we cannot go yaar," he pleaded.

With the language proving to be a barrier, it took Dravid a while to understand that there were not enough personnel to accompany two parties.

"OK, the guys have reached there know. Why can't you ask the escort team to come back and pick us up," he then begged.

Dravid and Vijetha were all set for the outing but it was all coming to nought.

The couple waited for about 20 minutes at the lobby while the officer tried to make alternate arrangements but they soon realised it was going to take sometime.

With the morning nets session in mind, Dravid decided to wind up the day by dinning at the hotel restaurant.

The incident was a testimony to the fact that Bangladesh are leaving nothing to chance as they try to make sure that the Indian cricket team's visit to the country goes off peacefully.

CTG, as the port city of Chittagong is called, presents an absolute contrast to the capital city Dhaka. The high rise buildings amidst congested roads have given way to some cool sea breeze and pockets of greenery.

But instead of having a soothing effect, the place is fast becoming an island of prison for the players, with the stifling security arrangements making them feel like being under house arrest.

The government here, however, is determined to show that the death threats issued by a religious group before the series which they had declared as hoax remains that way.

Closed circuit cameras have been set up at the venue while a 1000-strong protection force in riot gears has been posted to guard the two teams.

It maybe recalled that CTG was declared safe by the security team from India only after they were assured that additional arrangements would be put in place for the safety of the players.

CTG is reported to be the hub for various militant outfits including the Harkat-ul-Zihad which had issued the threat to the Indian cricketers.

Source: PTI
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