Overview
- NSW Police deployed public order and riot squad officers with long‑arm rifles, mounted units and riot patrols at the sold‑out Sydney Cricket Ground Test as part of a high‑visibility operation.
- Cricket Australia staged an on‑field guard of honour for first responders, victims and community members, drawing a standing ovation for hero Ahmed al‑Ahmed.
- The security posture reflects similar measures used at Melbourne’s Boxing Day Test and during Sydney’s New Year’s Eve events.
- Police and counter‑terrorism leaders reiterated there is no active or imminent threat linked to the match and said the visible rifles are for public reassurance.
- Investigations continue: Naveed Akram faces 59 charges including 15 counts of murder after the Bondi attack, his father Sajid was killed at the scene, and five victims remain in Sydney hospitals, two in critical but stable condition.