KARACHI: Pakistani officials said on Wednesday they had made ‘foolproof’ security arrangements for English cricket team that is scheduled to play a seven-match T20 series after arriving in the country on Thursday.
England last visited Pakistan in 2005 to play three Tests and five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi. Pakistan won the Test series by 2-0 after the match in Faisalabad was drawn.
The green shirts also clinched the ODI series with three convincing victories.
Four years later, however, a militant attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore suspended international cricket in the country, though the situation changed after Zimbabwe, West Indies and Sri Lanka visited Pakistan in recent years.
In September 2021, New Zealand, Australia and England canceled their Pakistan tour, citing concerns over “mental and physical well-being.”
Australia visited Pakistan in February this year to play a Test match, three ODIs and one T20 after 24 years.
“The Special Security Unit’s commandos will perform security duties along with personnel of other law enforcement agencies at the National Stadium in Karachi,” deputy superintendent police Dr. Maqsood Ahmed told Arab News, adding “sharp shooters will also be deployed at sensitive places” for the protection of the visiting team.
“Aerial surveillance will be done during the movement of the two cricket squads,” he continued while promising “foolproof” security measures.
PCB media director Sami-ul-Hasan said the series with England was vital.
“The series against England is an important one for the PCB, not only from the T20 World Cup perspective but also because England have to return to Pakistan for the December Tests,” he said.
He pointed out England would be the second high-profile team to visit Pakistan this year after Australia.
Hasan added his country would once again demonstrate its ability to arrange high-profile cricket contests by delivering a successful series against England.
“Of course, Australia and England tours reflect the confidence, faith and trust the two cricket boards and their players have on the PCB and Pakistan,” he continued.
He noted the series with England would also prepare Pakistani players for the T20 World Cup next month.
“As part of our preparations for the T20 World Cup, we will like to play against tougher oppositions so that we can finetune the outlook of our side before we arrive in Brisbane on 15 October,” he said. “In this regard, England will be a great opposition as it is the second-ranked T20I side and includes some of the top players.”
Hasan maintained the PCB was encouraged to see the response of the cricket fans who were enthusiastically buying tickets for the matches.
“Gate earnings from the first T20I will be donated to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund,” he said, adding: “It is imperative that we fill the stadium and show our solidarity and support for all those affected by the calamity.”
The PCB official said Pakistan cricket fans had “waited for 17 years to see England in action in their backyard.”
“This is their opportunity and the PCB hopes the fans, like they supported the Australia series, will back both the sides by turning up in big numbers,” he said.
Chief Selector Muhammad Wasim is expected to unveil the Pakistan squad on Thursday for the seven-match T20I series against England, tri-series in New Zealand, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.