Security beefed up for Indo-Pak World Cup encounter

Armed officers will be a part of one of the biggest security operations at Old Trafford for the Cricket World Cup encounter between Pakistan and India on June 16.

According to Daily Mail, more than 500,000 applied for the 25,000 tickets on offer for the match. The heightened political feud between the two countries is the reason for boosting the security for the match.

The exact number of officers has not been disclosed due to security reasons; however it has been reported that more officers will be on duty for this fixture than for any other in the city during the tournament.

The security forces understand the magnitude of the fixture along with the potential for a terrorist attack. Barriers will be erected and the nearby areas will be constantly monitored to ensure a secure environment for the teams and fans.

The security officials are also keenly monitoring the relations between Pakistan and India. The two nations previously played each other in the Champions Trophy in 2017 as they faced each other in a league match and then in the final. India won the league game, while Pakistan were victorious in the final.

No disturbances were reported during these encounters. The rising political issues between the two countries have not resulted in an increase in hate-crimes between local Indian and Pakistani communities residing in the United Kingdom.

Manchester Cathedral Gardens is another venue that will be closely monitored. More than 3,000 people are expected to be in attendance where the match will be broadcasted on a big screen.