The Johannesburg victory has now turned the focus on the India-Australia one-day series scheduled to kickstart at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on September 29. But the inaugural game appears to have  become just another occasion for warring groups in Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to get even.

Though only three days are left for the game, the police are in the dark about their role in ensuring the match takes place smoothly. With the stadium certain to be packed to its 45,000-plus capacity, chaos and not cricket appears to be on cards if precautionary steps are not taken.

Two meetings convened by the police have been of no consequence because the KSCA office-bearers have not responded, police said.

The first, which was convened on Sept 19, was not attended either by KSCA president Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar or secretary, Brijesh Patel.

The second meeting was convened on Monday last. Mr Wadiyar was absent again, but sent an SMS to the police expressing his inability to attend. Patel put up a perfunctory appearance but the meeting wound up without taking any concrete decision.

His responsibility
It is said Mr Wadiyar did not respond to the meeting convened by Mr K R Sreenivasan, Director General and Inspector General of Police, on grounds that it was the Secretary’s responsibility to take care of the security, it is said.

When contacted, Mr Wadiyar said he has just assumed office and is yet to familiarise himself with the working of the Association. He, however, said on September 28, there will be a meeting with police at 7 am to look into security aspects.

“All arrangements have been made for the match, and Patel, who is familiar with it, is handling it. I myself spoke to the DG and IGP and told him of my inability to attend the meeting as I have a sore throat, he added.

Mr Wadiyar later on Monday night emplaned for Singapore and will be back only a day before the match.

Police, however, said no more meetings will be held with the KSCA office-bearers. “We are of the opinion the KSCA has taken the police department for granted," a top police officer said.

In fact, the police said they will be writing to the KSCA making it clear the cricket body will be held responsible if any untoward incident happens during the course of the game in the stadium.

The police said they were not even aware of the itinerary of both the cricket teams. They have only been told (informally) that the Australians are arriving on Wednesday.

Mr Patel had just this to say, "I am in the process of meeting officials and clearing the decks.”