The New Delhi police said yesterday that they wanted to draft in 20 snake charmers to boost security for the second cricket Test against Pakistan tomorrow. The move follows threats by Hindu militants to release venomous snakes around the ground to disrupt the match.
Police deputy commissioner S B K Singh, who will also have more than 2,000 paramilitary troops deployed around the ground, said the environment ministry had been asked to supply the charmers for the start of the Test.
Although the militants have since called off their campaign to derail the Pakistan tour, Singh said the police were leaving nothing to chance.
The charmers will be positioned inside and outside the Ferozeshah Kotla stadium, where militants dug up the Test wicket last month. The militants were protesting against Pakistan's support for Moslem separatists waging a secessionist struggle in Kashmir.
South African seamer David Terbrugge has withdrawn with an ankle injury from the forthcoming tour of New Zealand. The 22-year-old will be replaced by veteran all-rounder Steve Elworthy, 32.
