Serious security threat to Virat Kohli, RCB cancels practice session: report

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare for the IPL 2024 Eliminator competition against Rajasthan Royals (RR), a report claims that the franchise had to cancel their only training session before the start of the match due to a security concern. Concerns arose over Virat Kohli’s safety, which led to RCB abandoning the training session. RCB were to train at the Gujarat College Ground in Ahmedabad on Tuesday ahead of the Eliminator on Wednesday but were unable to go ahead with the schedule.

According to Anandabazaar Patrikathe franchise did not even hold a press conference on the eve of the Eliminator match against the Royals due to the security threat, causing many to leave perplexed at the unusual development.

According to the report, the Gujarat Police hinted that the main reason for canceling the training session and press conference was Virat’s safety. Police also arrested 4 people from Ahmedabad on suspicion of terrorist activity.

After the police informed the IPL franchises – Bengaluru and Rajasthan – one answered the call and canceled all the appointments for the day while the other continued with the schedule.

“Virat Kohli came to know about the arrests after arriving in Ahmedabad. He is a national treasure and his safety is our top priority,” said Vijay Singha Jwala, a police officer. “RCB did not want to take any risks. They informed us that there would be no training session. Rajasthan Royals were also informed about the development but had no problem going ahead with their training sessions.”

Police have also beefed up security measures outside the RCB team hotel. Even IPL accredited members were not allowed to enter the team hotel. It was said that a ‘green corridor’ was created for the Rajasthan Royals to reach the training camp. The likes of R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal and Riyan Parag reportedly chose to stay at the hotel and miss the training session. Captain Sanju Samson reached the ground late.

Strict security measures are expected to be taken for the IPL 2024 Eliminator between RCB and RR on Wednesday as well.