New Delhi: Mindful of touring teams’ apprehensions over safety, Pakistan plan to deploy a minimum of 17,000 security personnel during the Champions Trophy that the country is set to host from February 19.
Pakistan have already undertaken a massive refurbishment of stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, where group stage matches will be held.
The Punjab government now plans to provide security to the participating teams throughout their stay in the country, covering the team hotel as well as the match venues in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
“The Punjab government will deploy some 12,500 officers and other security personnel for the matches and for the teams,” an official told PTI, adding that another 7,600 police and security personnel, including special commandos, will be present for the matches in Lahore.
Army support
Apart from this measures, 4,500 officers, including 411 from the Special Branch, will be on guard at Rawalpindi. The Army will also provide support for deployment of snipers and aerial monitoring during the tournament while paramilitary Rangers personnel would be on duty alongside the police.
A Sindh police spokesperson said in Karachi that commissioner has held meetings to be abreast of the security measures taken for matches at the National Stadium.
“Plans are being drawn up and at least 5000 or more security personnel including units of the Sindh police would be deployed for the matches, on routes and at team hotels,” the spokesperson said.
Pakistan would host all group stage matches barring the ones involving India (at least 11 matches), who cited security cincerns for not travelling and would play their games in Dubai.
Pakistan had to adopt a similar hybrid model for the 2023 Asia Cup to host only four group stage games after India refused to travel.
India’s unwillingness led to uncertainty regarding the tournament and a delay by the International Cricket Council in announcing fixtures.
Pakistan plans to provide security to the participating teams throughout their stay in the country, covering the team hotel as well as the match venues in Lahore and Rawalpindi. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
