Cricket fans can expect tight security at McLean Park during the World Cup in case of a terrorism threat. Photo / File
Cricket fans can expect tight security at McLean Park during the World Cup in case of a terrorism threat. Photo / File
Former Black Cap batsman Mathew Sinclair is backing a call to beef up security against possible terror attacks at next year's ICC Cricket World Cup.
The Napier-based cricketer experienced terrorism first-hand, during the Black Caps' 2002 Pakistan tour which ended early after a bomb blast near the players' Karachi hotelrooms.
International security experts have ordered New Zealand cricket bosses to enhance security for the 11th World Cup, which will see 27 matches shared by seven New Zealand cities.
The request comes as New Zealand considers sending troops to the war on the Islamic State.
Mr Sinclair who played 54 ODIs for New Zealand, said he was confident officials would provide the necessary level of security during the tournament.
"On the big stage there are things you've got to have in place - player safety is paramount. I'm sure New Zealand Cricket would work closely with the New Zealand Government and every measure would be taken."
The left-handed top order batsman described experiencing "total comfort" thanks to "very stringent, down-to-the-minute" security during the Black Caps' tour of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya in 2003.
But a year earlier, a lethal bomb blast left players shaken: "It was a new experience for Kiwis, it's not the sort of thing that happens in our backyard. It was quite scary, really. It had a lasting effect on some of the players."
A Cricket World Cup spokesperson told Hawke's Bay Today the safety of players, officials, VIPs and spectators was "our top priority".
"We have been working with the authorities in Australia and New Zealand for more than two years on these matters and will continue to do so."
Napier Mayor Bill Dalton said the city would fully comply with security requirements, although measures to be undertaken weren't yet specified.
"From the city's point of view, whatever we're required to do will be done."
Napier City Council sports facilities manager Andrew White said security firm Red Badge would handle security at McLean Park during the tournament. Red Badge management declined to comment.
The ICC has put up a provisional list of banned items, which includes glass bottles, whistles, banners, placards, cameras and long flagsticks.
McLean Park will host three matches during the pool phase of the World Cup next year; the Pakistan vs Qualifier 4 day/night match on March 4, the New Zealand vs Afghanistan day match on March 8, and the West Indies vs Qualifier 4 day match on March 15.
The tournament will be broadcast to more than 180 countries, and organisers expect a global television audience of more than one billion.
