Delhi Traffic Police asks DDCA to reschedule India-Afghanistan T20I due to BRICS Summit

The Delhi Traffic Police has asked the DDCA to reschedule the India-Afghanistan T20 match to be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on September 13, citing the extensive traffic and security arrangements required for the BRICS Summit in the national capital.

In a letter dated September 9 to the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary, the DCP traffic (central range), said a large number of foreign delegates, dignitaries and VVIPs are expected to visit Delhi for the summit, scheduled on September 12 and 13.

The letter said the summit would require extensive traffic arrangements, including VVIP/VIP route regulation, traffic diversions, route clearance and deployment of personnel for the smooth movement of foreign delegates and associated vehicles.

The September 13 cricket match is expected to attract approximately 25,000 to 35,000 spectators, according to the letter.

The traffic police said areas around the Arun Jaitley Stadium, DDU Marg, BSZ Marg, Minto Road, Kamla Market and adjoining roads already witness substantial vehicular and pedestrian movement.

“Additional match-related traffic and parking around BSZ Marg, Mata Sundari College, Rajghat and Bal Bhawan are likely to reduce available carriageway and cause congestion,” the letter said.

It further pointed out that the entire Delhi Traffic Police would already be extensively deployed for BRICS-related traffic regulation, diversions, route clearance and VVIP/VIP movements.

“Simultaneous arrangements for the cricket match would place considerable pressure on available manpower and pose significant challenges in traffic diversion, parking, crowd regulation, emergency access and route clearance,” it said.

In view of the international importance and priority of the BRICS Summit, the DDCA has been requested to consider rescheduling or postponing the match to any suitable date after completion of the summit and related traffic arrangements.

The move, according to the traffic police, would facilitate effective deployment of resources and ensure smooth and secure movement of foreign delegates, VVIPs and the general public.

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The India-Afghanistan T20I is the first of three matches between the teams scheduled to be played in Delhi, with the other two slated for September 15 and 17.

The letter also sought an early and favourable consideration of the request from the DDCA.