Bhubaneswar, Nov 12: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today reviewed preparations for the upcoming international T20 cricket match between India and South Africa, scheduled to be held at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on December 9.

The Chief Minister instructed officials from the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) and the state administration to ensure flawless execution of all arrangements for the high-profile event.

“Cricket is among the most loved sports in India. As the nation and the world will be watching this match, it is our responsibility to conduct it perfectly and uphold Odisha’s pride,” Majhi said.

During the meeting, OCA Secretary Sanjay Behera presented an update on the preparations, covering ticket sales, crowd management, uninterrupted power supply, fire safety, parking facilities, and traffic regulation.

Referring to the recent explosion incident in Delhi, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for a robust security plan. He directed the police and Home Department to ensure foolproof safety for players and spectators and called for heightened vigilance throughout the event.

Majhi also highlighted the importance of setting up a green corridor for emergency medical evacuations and stressed the need for effective crowd control, transparent ticket distribution, and comprehensive health and emergency services.

As discussed in the meeting, each stadium stand will accommodate spectators strictly within its designated capacity. To guarantee uninterrupted lighting, additional generators and new monitoring software have been installed. The system will automatically activate backup power in case of generator failure, ensuring continuous electricity during the match.

The Chief Minister urged the departments concerned to work in close coordination to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the international cricket match.