Indian cricket team under terror threat in Delhi: Report
What's the story
The Indian cricket team is set to face Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series, starting November 3 in Delhi. And now as per reports, Delhi Police have been asked to beef up the security of Team India during the first T20I. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) received an anonymous letter which claimed that Team India, particularly captain Virat Kohli, were on a threat list.
Letter
Letter contains a list of many high-profile names
According to a report in IANS, sources close to Delhi Police said the letter contains a list which includes many high-profile names. The likes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Home Minister Amit Shah, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart Lal Krishna Advani, BJP working President J.P. Nadda and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat are said to be included.
Security
No chance to be taken as security is concerned
The NIA has forwarded the letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The anonymous letter says that All India Lashkar, based out of Kozhikode, Kerala, might target Indian skipper Kohli and prominent politicians. Moreover, the report adds that the letter could be a hoax, but given the heightened threat perception, no chance is being taken. Security reviews are being taken.
Kohli rested
Kohli rested for T20I series, Rohit to lead Team India
The BCCI announced a 16-member squad for the T20Is against Bangladesh on October 24. Kohli featured in 48 out of the 56 games India have played across formats since October 2018. Keeping his workload in mind, the selection committee handed the 30-year-old skipper a rest. Vice-captain Rohit Sharma will lead Team India in Kohli's absence. India have a strong record under Rohit.
Information
A look at India's 16-member T20I squad
India's squad for T20Is against Bangladesh: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant(wicket-keeper), Washington Sundar, Krunal Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Rahul Chahar, Deepak Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, Shivam Dube, Shardul Thakur.
Pollution
Delhi's post-Diwali air pollution an issue ahead of first T20I
Meanwhile, the air pollution in the national capital region is a cause of concern for years. Things get worse post Diwali in the capital with toxicity at its peak. And that is set to be a major concern ahead of the first T20I. On Tuesday, the AQI of ITO in Delhi showed 393. This is termed to be 'very poor' and that's a concern.