Royal Challengers Bengaluru were forced to cancel their only practice session ahead of the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals due to security reasons. The team was scheduled to practice at the Gujarat College ground in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, but the franchise opted out of it without giving any official reason.

On the other hand, Rajasthan completed their preparations at the same venue. However, there was no press conference, which is not the normal practice a day before the game.

The Narendra Modi Stadium was unavailable for the nets because of Qualifier 1 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The Gujarat College ground was given as an alternative to RCB and RR.

Bengali daily Anandabazar Patrika quoted Gujarat Police officials to hint that the main reason behind RCB’s decision and the cancellation of the pre-match press conference was due to the security threat to Virat Kohli.

The Gujarat Police detained four men from the Ahmedabad airport on Monday night on suspicion of unlawful activities.

The security officers recovered arms, suspicious videos and text messages from the hideout of the four accused.

The information was shared with RR and RCB. Rajasthan went ahead with their session but RCB informed the security personnel that they wouldn’t be coming for the nets.

The report claimed that RCB did not give any official reason for their sudden pull out.

“Virat Kohli came to know about the arrests after landing in Ahmedabad. He is a national hero, and his security is our number one priority,” said Vijay Singha Jwala, a police officer. “RCB decided to cancel their practice session and informed us about the development. Rajasthan Royals had no problems going ahead with their nets.”

Security was beefed up outside RCB’s team hotel with restricted movement.

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