England’s security delegation has expressed satisfaction with preparations in Pakistan ahead of next month’s ODI tri-series involving the hosts, England and Sri Lanka, following a review of measures covering the tournament’s two host cities.
According to a report by Geo News, the visiting officials assessed the security framework established for Lahore and Rawalpindi, including surveillance capabilities and arrangements surrounding team movements and key locations.
The positive assessment follows an inspection process that began with meetings and briefings involving security authorities, local administrators and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials, as previously reported by cricexec.
Safe Cities infrastructure comes under review
A central part of the delegation’s latest assessment involved the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA), where officials were given a detailed overview of the systems that will support security operations during the series.
PCB representatives accompanied the delegation during the visit, while the PSCA Managing Director provided a briefing on the authority’s surveillance infrastructure and command-and-control capabilities.
The visiting team reviewed how cameras operating across Lahore and Rawalpindi will be used for monitoring during the tournament. Security planning encompasses team routes as well as airports, hotels, parking areas and other locations connected with the visiting sides.
The delegation subsequently expressed satisfaction with the PSCA’s preparations and its role within the wider security operation. The measures for the two host cities have been coordinated ahead of the tournament, with the integrated system designed to support arrangements aligned with international standards.
Review completes next stage of England preparations
The assessment marks a progression from the delegation’s earlier security review, which included scrutiny of operational plans and meetings with Pakistani authorities.
The five-member ECB delegation includes Director of International Operations Rob Hillman, Director of Security Reg Dickason and England Players Cricket Association Chief Executive Officer Daryl Mitchell.
During the earlier phase of the visit, officials were briefed on plans for team movements and security deployments across Lahore and Rawalpindi. More than 14,000 personnel are designated for security duties across the two cities, including 7,849 in Lahore and 6,460 in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan set for busy October international schedule
The security preparations come ahead of a month-long international programme beginning with Sri Lanka’s scheduled arrival in Pakistan on October 4.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka will first contest three T20Is in Rawalpindi from October 9 to 13 before England joins the two sides for the ODI tri-series.
The tournament begins in Rawalpindi on October 18 with Pakistan facing Sri Lanka. Pakistan then play England on October 20, followed by England against Sri Lanka on October 22.
The competition shifts to Lahore for its remaining matches, with Pakistan facing England on October 25 and Sri Lanka on October 27. England and Sri Lanka meet on October 29 before the top two teams contest the final at Gaddafi Stadium on October 31.
With the delegation’s assessment now producing a positive response to the arrangements in place, preparations are moving forward for England’s participation in the three-team tournament.
