MUMBAI’S Wankhede Stadium, venue for the final but criticised last week by the city’s top fire chief for not meeting safety standards, finally got clearance to host Cricket World Cup matches yesterday.
“We have given NOC (no objection certificate) to the stadium. They have fulfilled all the fire safety norms at the stadium,” deputy chief fire officer AN Shinde told reporters after inspecting the 33,000-seater stadium.
Last week safety inspectors were unhappy that mandatory fire equipment, including water hydrants, no-smoking indicators, alarms and extinguishers were still not in place.
“We have given them the compliance certificate. They can host matches. The stadium is safe and secure,” Shinde added.
Wankhede will stage the April 2 final as well as two group stage matches on March 13 and 18.
