Pitch invaders to get netted in ICC's 'moats'

The organisers of the 2003 Cricket World Cup have adopted a "zero tolerance" policy towards spectators invading fields.

They aim to prevent an embarassing spectacle like that which marred Saturday's Tri-Nations rugby match in Durban, when an intoxicated spectator ran on to the field and attacked the referee.

It sounds almost medieval, but among the security arrangements is the construction of "moats" around the perimeter of cricket fields to prevent unauthorised access at the 12 grounds in South Africa where the tournament, which starts on February 9, will be played.

Ali Bacher, executive director of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003, said security had always been an important element of preparations for the tournament. Saturday's incident had highlighted the need for adequate measures to prevent pitch invasions.

"The decision to erect the moats was taken nine months ago, so it is not in reaction to the weekend's incident," said Bacher.

"At the 1999 Cricket World Cup (in England and Holland), there were a number of pitch invasions.

"We simply can't have that. Not only is there a chance of injury to players or officials, as we saw on Saturday at the rugby, but an invasion also discredits the country.

"We will be on world television for 33 days and we have to make the most of what will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase the best of South Africa," he said.

The moats, for which the World Cup committee has budgeted R700 000, will be approximately 1,5m wide and filled with mesh netting designed to trap anyone attempting to gain access to the field.

Close-circuit television cameras will also be installed at all the World Cup grounds, at a cost of R4m. These cameras will monitor activity around the moats, as well as in other parts of the stadia.

A high powered security directorate, chaired by Patrick Ronan, has been appointed for the 2003 Cricket World Cup. Among the members are Rory Steyn, who once served as former President Nelson Mandela's bodyguard, director Ben van Deventer from SAPS and

Randall Howard, an executive committee member of Cosatu.