A security alert briefly disrupted Team India's preparations for the second Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Tuesday. The incident occurred after a suspicious package was discovered at Centenary Square, near the hotel where the Indian team is staying.
Local authorities responded swiftly, cordoning off the area and advising all occupants in the vicinity, including Team India, to remain indoors as a precaution. The Birmingham City Centre Police issued an alert on social media, stating that they were investigating a suspicious package and that several buildings had been evacuated as a precaution.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) promptly instructed the players and staff to stay inside the team hotel following the police advisories, prioritizing their safety. A BCCI source confirmed that the decision was made in response to the police alert.
Despite the security scare, eight players, including captain Shubman Gill, attended training at Edgbaston. The remaining squad members, who were scheduled for a rest day, stayed back at the hotel as a safety measure. Players were also advised against exploring the nearby Broad Street area until the situation was resolved.
Fortunately, the situation was quickly brought under control. Approximately an hour after the initial alert, the Birmingham Police lifted the security cordon, confirming that the area was safe. The Indian team was then able to resume their regular activities, with no further disruptions reported.
A team spokesperson confirmed that the team was safe and in good spirits, stating, "Everything is fine". The spokesperson's message aimed to allay any fears after social media was filled with posts claiming that the Indian players were confined to their hotel rooms due to a security scare. West Midlands Police confirmed that the cordon around Centenary Square was a temporary measure to assess the unattended parcel.
The Indian team had arrived in Birmingham last week after playing the first Test at Headingley in Leeds. England currently leads the five-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test by five wickets. The second Test at Edgbaston is scheduled to begin on July 2.
