Security Stepped Up at Twenty20

The England and Wales Cricket Board will toughen security measures in county Twenty20 next season to Test-match standards in a concerted attempt to quell a disturbing trend of unruly behavior.

The success of Twenty20 has brought tensions at small county grounds not used to handling large crowds, with players complaining of racist abuse, thieving and drunkenness.

The ECB has now responded by restricting alcohol to ground sales only, stiffening security for players and introducing a special training scheme for stewards. Lord's will be allowed to keep its exemption from the alcohol rule, having won the right from the International Cricket Council to be considered as a special case because of its long tradition of spectators bringing wine-laden picnic hampers and its reputation for well behaved crowds.

Gordon Hollins, the ECB's head of venues, said: "There was a real consensus that we should extend many of the procedures at international games to domestic Twenty20 cricket. There will also be a zero-tolerance policy concerning foul language, and anyone using racist language shall be subject to prosecution. We are trying to ensure that all those who do wish to drink at matches also consider the spectators around them ... We were adamant that we had to nip these issues in the bud."

Glamorgan's Robert Croft was one of several county captains to protest last season, complaining after a barrage of abuse in Taunton that it could degenerate into physical violence. Nic Pothas lodged similar complaints after Hampshire's coach was stoned at Southgate and valuables were stolen from the dressing room.

Twenty20 has drawn aggregate crowds of about 500,000 for the past three seasons, with capacity crowds a common sight, but the ECB is concerned that the lighthearted family atmosphere might easily be lost.