The Gujarat Cricket Association says it has made adequate security arrangements for the first Test between India and New Zealand, at the Sardar Patel cricket stadium in Motera.
"The GCA members had a meeting with top police officials to review law and order arrangements at the stadium. Nearly 600 policemen will be deployed during the match, from October 8 to October 12," GCA president Narhari Amin told mediapersons in Ahmedabad on Monday.
He said security guards from Mumbai will also be roped in to ensure smooth functioning of the match.
To a question, Amin said, "The wicket has been so prepared that the cricket-crazy people here feast on an exciting match, where the team performing better will win."
The Kiwis arrive in Ahmedabad on October 5 after playing a three-day match in Rajkot, while the hosts arrive on the evening of October 6, the GCA president added.
To a question, Amin said it is too early to say whether the wicket will favour the pacers or spinners, but pitch curator Nadeem Memon said spinners like Harbhajan Singh could get assistance from the second day itself.
"I promise that it would be the most memorable match," Nadeem said.
Former Indian player and coach Anshuman Gaikwad, who was present on the occasion, said the pitch could assist the home team.
"It is too early to say whom the pitch will favour but India has always had advantage on the home pitches," said Gaikwad, who was recently appointed coach of the Gujarat state team.
The GCA has also decided not to allow water bottles, eatables, fire crackers, glass mirrors, match boxes, transistors or any such items that can be thrown on the field.
David Shepherd of England and South Africa's Rudy Koertzen will officiate as ground umpires, while Hari Haran and N Memon will be the third and reserve umpires respectively, Amin said.
