PCB requests high level security
“Under the prevailing (security) situation in the country we have requested the security agencies to provide foolproof security for all the participating teams,” Col. Mohammad Zufiqar of the PCB told the Associated Press.
Pakistan has suffered a string of deadly attacks by Islamist militants in recent weeks, including last week’s truck bombing at the upscale Marriott hotel in Islamabad which killed 60 people and injured 260 others.
The 13-team tournament will be played simultaneously at the Gaddafi Stadium and the adjacent Lahore City Cricket Association Ground.
“Since the matches will begin at 10 o’clock in the morning and finish at around midnight, we need foolproof security so that no untoward incident happens,” Zulfiqar said.
“The security agencies have promised us that they would provide security staff in batches which would work throughout the tournament.”
Entry will be free for all spectators, but Zulfiqar said that each one will have to go through metal detectors before entering the grounds.
“The security level in and around both the grounds will be of international standard,” Zulfiqar said.
Foreign teams have expressed their reservations about traveling to Pakistan with Australia postponing its scheduled tour earlier this year, while the Champions Trophy has been postponed for a year after four teams — Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England — declined to play citing security fears.
Pakistan has not played a test match this year, but has invited the West Indies to play two tests in November — shortly after both teams play three one-day internationals in Abu Dhabi. The West Indies has yet to confirm it will travel to Pakistan.
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