Eden Gardens On ‘High Alert’ For India-South Africa Test After Red Fort Blast | Cricket News

Eden Gardens is hosting a Test for the first time since 2019. (Picture credit: PTI)

The Eden Gardens in Kolkata has been put on ‘high alert’ ahead of the India-South Africa Test, which begins on November 14, in light of the suspected terror attack in Delhi. At least eight people died, and several suffered injuries in a car blast near the Red Fort on Monday evening.

Investigations are currently ongoing to confirm whether the blast was deliberate or an accident. But major cities in the country are treating it like a terror attack, heightening security in major points of interest. Soon after the reports came through, the capital’s Arun Jaitley Stadium also amped up security arrangements for the final day of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir.

“We are on high alert. Keeping in mind the blast in Delhi, special and additional security arrangements are being made,” a Kolkata Police official was quoted as saying by news agency IANS. “The Special Task Force (STF) will also be deployed alongside the local police.”

Areas surrounding the Eden Gardens and key government establishments, such as the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Raj Bhavan, the Calcutta High Court, and All India Radio, are the focus of the security arrangements.

Police sources quoted by the report said hotels accommodating the Indian and South African teams are also under heightened watch, while Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir’s proposed visit to the Kalighat temple may be deferred, given the increased threat perception.

At Eden Gardens, a comprehensive three-layered security ring is being enforced, covering the outer perimeter, entry gates, and spectator stands. Every movement inside and around the stadium will be closely tracked, with intensified entry checks using handheld scanners and metal detectors.

Plainclothes officers will be deployed both within the venue and its surrounding zones, ensuring that any suspicious activity is swiftly addressed. Entry with bags or restricted items will be strictly prohibited.

Meanwhile, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) will meet senior police officials on Tuesday to finalise security protocols and crowd-control measures ahead of the high-profile fixture.

The Test match will be played between November 14-19. India and South