Political chants banned during Independence Cup matches

LAHORE: Fans will be banned from chanting political slogans during Pakistan vs World XI games at the Gaddafi Stadium, state the code of conduct guidelines issued ahead of the three-match T20 Independence Cup beginning today.

According to the code of conduct guide, supporters are banned from resorting to any kind of political slogans and chants, misconduct and swearing. Strict and speedy legal action will be taken against anyone found in violation of the code of conduct.

According to sources, a magistrate will be deployed at every enclosure of the stadium who will enforce the code of conduct. The magistrates will have the authority to carry out arrests and mete out punishments, if the situation calls for any such action.

Supporters will not be allowed to carry any food and bottles inside the stadium. Cigarettes, lighters, batteries, chargers, and iron objects have also been banned from the venue.

Any chants in support of the players will be allowed. Fans will also be allowed to take pictures with the players.

The Punjab Safe City Authority has installed at least 1,000 cameras in and around the stadium, which will be monitored at all times in a control room.

Fans coming to watch the matches at the stadium will be required to produce their ticket and CNIC at point of entry.

There will be 38 shuttle buses to transport the fans from the parking lot to the stadium entry points.

Over 6,000 police officials and paramilitary officers have been deployed around the stadium, according to provincial government spokesman Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan.

"A foolproof security plan has been devised for the protection of the teams and spectators," he said.

The streets of Lahore have been swathed in posters of the visiting players and advertisements for the matches.