Crowd safety and security will be a high priority at the Cricket World Cup next year and the International Cricket Council (ICC) this week announced strict measures to promote an incident-free World Cup.
Exploding gas bottles and drunken fans have disrupted cricket games in South Africa, but the organisers believe that the security arrangements will keep boisterous fans under control. Articles such as offensive banners, drinks, braais and hard cooler bags will not be allowed inside the grounds. Other articles that will not be allowed are baseball bats, bottled water, Frisbees, deckchairs and umbrellas. Old South African flags are taboo and will be confiscated at the gates.
”Facilities such as gas braais and umbrellas will be provided at designated sites. Meat will also be on sale at vendors,” said Rodney Hartman, the cup’s communication director.
Spectators will be allowed to bring their own food in soft cooler bags.
”South African fans have to show that they are well behaved,” said Hartman. ”Spectators will be asked to buy into the new system to ensure their own safety and that of others is not compromised,” he said.
Tickets go on sale on Monday for the event that starts on February 8.
Thirsty fans will only be able to buy Pepsi at the grounds, as well as alcoholic drinks. The company is one of the main sponsors and its competitors will be banned from the grounds.
”We are extremely appreciative of the total support of the ministry of law and order and the tremendous guidance and assistance they are giving us to ensure that this cricket World Cup is a safe and secure event for all concerned,” said Ali Bacher, head of the organising committee.
Volunteers will also be trained to help spectators. The volunteer programme is designed to add to the enjoyment of the spectators. More than 3 500 volunteers will be trained to welcome people to stadiums and to show them to their seats.
The volunteers will receive training in hospitality, as well as general cricket etiquette. The training programme will be launched next month. Security personnel will work closely with the police.