Team India arrives in Chandigarh

Led by skipper M.S. Dhoni, the Indian cricket team arrived here Saturday amidst tight security for the World Cup semi-final clash against Pakistan at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium in Mohali Wednesday. Indian players, including Sachin tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Zaheer Khan and Gautam Gambhir, reached hotel Taj amidst tight security cover. 

Security personnel were lined up on both sides of the road between the Chandigarh airport and the hotel.

Traffic was stopped at various points and diverted to alternate routes to make way for the team bus and the escort vehicles.

The stretch of road in front of the Taj hotel was also closed to traffic. 

"Around 1,000 police officials have been deployed both inside and outside the hotel. This is a very crucial time and we cannot take any chance. The Chandigarh police are well-prepared to handle any kind of emergency situation," Senior Superintendent of Police H.S. Doon said. 

He added: "We have issued a list of do's and don'ts to the players and team officials. We have told them to inform us at least four hours in advance if they want to go out of the hotel. Sufficient security will be provided to the players."

Pakistan team has already reached hotel Taj Friday.

With a houseful sell-out of tickets, the PCA Stadium is expecting jam-packed stands, including scores of Pakistani fans, for the match.

Built in 1992, the PCA Stadium, at Mohali near Chandigarh, can accommodate 28,000 spectators.

This World Cup, it has hosted two league matches.