Security concerns surface after Bangalore blast

It was exactly three years ago when two low-intensity blasts occurred outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The city was once again rocked today, though this time the cricket venue was not the target. But it could have easily been.

It was exactly three years ago when two low-intensity blasts occurred outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The city was once again rocked on Wednesday, though this time the cricket venue was not the target. But it could have easily been.

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On April 17, 2010, at least eight people sustained injuries, delaying the start of the match between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians, while another bomb was found and defused at a separate location outside the arena.

The incidents cast a shadow over the T20 league, forcing the organisers to shift the semifinals from Bangalore to Mumbai.

This time though the matches are unlikely to be moved out of Bangalore. It is learnt that a few of RCB's foreign players have raised concerns over security management and the host association and franchise officials have spoken to the local police for more safety cover for the players.

When contacted, Javagal Srinath, secretary of the Karnataka State Cricket Association and also one of the match referees in the T20 league, confirmed that more security had been sought on match day and the day before. “We have had a meeting with the police. They will take adequate care,” said Srinath.