HIL: Police assure tight security for matches in Mumbai

Mumbai Police on Tuesday assured full security during the upcoming IPL-style Hockey India League matches in wake of Shiv Sena's protest against participation of Pakistani players.

Tight security will be ensured for all the six hockey matches scheduled to be played in Mumbai and a regular assessment is being done in co-ordination with representatives of the Hockey India League (HIL), Deputy Police Commissioner Ravindra Shisve said on Tuesday.

"We are taking all precautionary steps. We will ensure that matches are not disrupted. Tight security will be in place," Shisve said.

"We are regularly meeting the representatives of Hockey India League and met them today also. We are assessing the situation," he added.

On Sunday, over 200 Shiv Sena activists protested against the participation of four Pakistani players in a scheduled practise session of 'Mumbai Magicians' team in Mumbai.

The officials had then facilitated the players to leave the place through the adjacent Wankhede Stadium.

Mumbai Magicians, a franchise of Hockey India League, has signed up Pakistani players - Mahmood Rashid, Fareed Ahmed, Muhammad Tousiq and Imran Butt. In all, nine Pakistani players including these four, were contracted to play in the league.

Mumbai Magicians' first HIL home game against Jaypee Punjab Warriors will be held at the MHA Mahindra Stadium in Mumbai on January 20.

The Burman family, promoters of FMCG major Dabur India, is the owner of the Mumbai franchise.

The inaugural edition of the six-team HIL began on home and away basis from January 14 to February 10.