The dignitaries will be among some 1,000 Pakistanis attending the match. Government of India Information and Broadcasting Minister Parmod Mahajan and at least one more Cabinet rank minister or secretary are also expected to attend the match. Their security will depend on where they stay.

In addition to providing security to VVIPs and foreign guests, Chandigarh Senior Superintendent of Police C.S.R. Reddy told Newsline that city police will look after the stay of the two teams and also escort them to the stadium. A Deputy Superintendent of Police will be in charge of their stay and escort. A pilot, escort and a reserve, which comprise about 16 personnel, have been deployed for the purpose. Moreover, an anti-riot reserve will be additionally deployed, although a senior police official said there was no apprehension of riots breaking out.

To adequately guard four different security categories, the Chandigarh Police has asked for five more companies from the Punjab Police along with vehicles required for providing security to VIPs. More pickets are being set up and checkpoints, especially at barriers, will be activated.

As there are no traffic lights from Chandigarh to SAS Nagar, the Chandigarh Police will deploy traffic policemen along the roads to facilitate the flow of traffic, particularly at the time of the start and finish of the match.

Meanwhile, PCA president I.S. Bindra was seen at the stadium throughout the day, supervising arrangements. Speaking to Newsline, he disclosed that the Centre has extended the duration of the visas being granted to visiting Pakistani cricket fans to April 3. Bindra also noted that several dinners for the Pakistani fans are also on the cards, one of them hosted by the PCA.

Also he said that the UT Administration and several other organisations are arranging free sightseeing tours, cultural programmes and interactions to entertain the guests and two Chandigarh cinema halls will offer special 8.30 a.m. film-screenings for them. Free transportation from the railway station to accommodation has been laid on, and the guests will also enjoy free transportation to the stadium. Among the many functions planned is an "at home" on April 2 for the 1,000 Pakistan fans. The federation has offered to accomodate 75 guests from places such as Bahawalpur, Jhang and Sialkot.

Meanwhile, malis, whitewashers and labourers have been scrambling to beautify the seating blocks and grounds. Among other things some 6,000 potted plants are being set out in elaborate designs. The stadium's 14,000 RMX music system is being checked to ensure flawless performance on the D-Day and, for the past week, recarpeting work on roads leading to the stadium has been on.