Following the spate of trouble seen during the NatWest Triangular Series, the organisers have been forced to make their stance on the matter clear.

"We are looking at a zero tolerance situation when it comes to security," said communications manager Rodney Hartman.

"The bottom line is, from the moment the umpires and players set foot on the field to the moment they are back in their dressing rooms no unauthorised person will be allowed onto the field.

"The field will also be out of bounds during breaks in play."

Hartman said the director of the 2003 World Cup, Ali Bacher, had made a similar pledge when he addressed the International Cricket Council in London recently.

"There haven't been any major pitch invasion problems in South Africa for the past 10 years and we want to keep it that way," said Hartman.

He added that a security directorate would be appointed to ensure safety during the tournament.

It would be chaired by Patrick Ronan, chairman of the South African Security Officers Board, and would include Rory Steyn, a bodyguard to ex-South African president Nelson Mandela.