Today Hardik Patel, convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), said that members of the Patels would agitate during upcoming international one day match against South Africa in a peaceful way. THe ODI would be played on October 18. He added, we have purchase about 1,000 tickets and would purchase further more tickets in coming days. We will wear specially designed T-shirts with ‘Jay Sardar’ Slogan by showcasing our demands sitting from gallery during the match without causing any interruption.
As a precautionary measure Gujarat State administration has started preparing for tight security arrangements during ODI match. Gujarat CM who was likely to see the match in Rajkot, has reportedly cancelled her plan following the announcement by Patels of agitation during the match. Police has prepared 3 tier security arrangements and made it mandatory that the tickets will be sold only on the production of original IDs and will be non-transferable. They have also said that the spectators will not be allowed to carry any placard or any material including water bottle inside the stadium.The State DGP held a meeting with the Chief Secretary to discuss the security measures the police would undertake to ensure that no untoward incident takes place during the match.”It is a very serious matter. If something happens, it will spoil the image of Rajkot and we will not get international matches in future,” president of Saurashtra Cricket Association, told the local media in Rajkot on Wednesday. President has also stated that Cricket stadium is not the place for protest.This match is for proud of Saurashtra and not for protest. Rajkot cricket stadium has capacity of 27,000 spectators.