Eden Gardens Under Tight Security Ahead of India-South Africa Test Post Delhi Blast

The iconic Eden Gardens cricket stadium in Kolkata has been placed on high alert ahead of the first Test match between India and South Africa, scheduled to begin on November 14, 2025, following a deadly car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort Metro Station on November 10 that killed at least 13 people and injured over 20 others. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma confirmed the enhanced measures on November 11, stating that special security arrangements are underway, including the deployment of the Special Task Force (STF) alongside regular police personnel.

The blast, which engulfed a Hyundai i20 at a busy traffic signal and triggered nationwide vigilance, has prompted authorities to treat it as a potential terror incident, with investigations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) ongoing. This precautionary escalation ensures the safety of players, officials, and spectators at the venue, which will host its first Test since 2019.

Security protocols at Eden Gardens now include a three-tier cordon: an outer perimeter with barricades and checkpoints, fortified entrances with metal detectors and bag scans, and inner zones covering spectator seating and pitch access. Additional forces, including plainclothes officers and sniffer dogs, will patrol surrounding areas, while drone surveillance and CCTV monitoring have been intensified. Team hotels for both the India and South Africa squads, along with practice venues, are under similar heightened protection, with route reconnaissance and escort vehicles mandatory for player movements.

A senior police official emphasised, "We are on high alert. Keeping in mind the blast in Delhi, special and additional security arrangements are being made." Verma is slated to personally inspect the setup on November 12, coordinating with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to minimise disruptions.

The measures extend beyond the stadium to key Kolkata landmarks, metros, and airports, mirroring responses in Delhi, where Arun Jaitley Stadium bolstered security for a Ranji Trophy match finale. This proactive stance aligns with national directives post the Faridabad explosives seizure earlier that day, which uncovered 2,900 kg of materials linked to a suspected terror module.

For the Test—featuring India's young squad under Shubman Gill against a resurgent South Africa—these steps ensure a secure environment, with practice sessions on November 12 proceeding under vigilant oversight. Players like Jasprit Bumrah and Yashasvi Jaiswal trained uninterrupted on November 11, but CAB officials have briefed teams on the protocols.

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While the incident evokes memories of past threats to major events, such as the 2010 Commonwealth Games security scares, Kolkata's robust framework—handling over 60,000 fans per day—positions it well for the five-day fixture. The BCCI has expressed confidence in the arrangements, prioritising player welfare without altering schedules. As the city braces for the series opener, these enhancements underscore cricket's role as a national unifier, resilient even amid shadows of unrest.

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