Extensive security measures were put in place around the Pakistan-Australia ODI series, with International Cricket Council (ICC) officials, police personnel and match-day operations all falling under a detailed security framework ahead of the opening fixture in Rawalpindi. According to a report by Dawn.com, authorities implemented enhanced protocols for the arrival of ICC match officials and deployed thousands of security personnel as part of preparations for the series opener.
Three ICC officials — umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Richard Kettleborough, along with Match Referee Graeme Labrooy — arrived at Islamabad International Airport before the first ODI and were escorted under tight security arrangements. Authorities established 12 police pickets along the route from the airport, while Elite Force and Dolphin Force personnel were deployed to secure their movement.
Multi-layered security operation deployed
The wider security plan extended well beyond the travelling officials. Around 4,500 police personnel, including 328 traffic officers, were assigned duties for the opening ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while a dedicated control room was established at the Shehbaz Sharif Sports Complex to oversee operations.
Security responsibilities were divided across four zones, each supervised by an SP-rank officer. Three-tier security arrangements were implemented around the venue, with surveillance supported by Safe City cameras, CCTV monitoring systems and snipers positioned on nearby rooftops.
Additional personnel were stationed at key public locations, while bus terminals, hotels and surrounding areas remained under surveillance throughout the build-up to the match. Police mobiles, Elite Force teams and Dolphin squads also conducted patrols around the stadium precinct.
Dedicated measures for police personnel
Alongside measures designed to protect players, officials and spectators, authorities also introduced specific protocols aimed at safeguarding police officers deployed for the series.
A dedicated security and discipline unit was established to oversee the movement and deployment of police personnel, with transportation plans, routes and timings kept confidential as part of the operation.
Highlighting the approach, a senior police official said, as quoted by Dawn, “The security of police personnel should be given top priority.”
The unit was tasked with maintaining close protection around officers during deployment and ensuring security procedures were followed throughout the operation.
Discussing the rationale behind the arrangements, the senior police officer added, “In light of the current security situation and terrorist attacks, it is critical to make police force security foolproof during their movements by closely adhering to SOP.”
Authorities also instructed officers to follow strict security procedures, including vehicle checks and controlled deployment practices, as part of broader efforts to minimise risk.
The senior police officer stated, “Police have been on high alert.”
Match concludes successfully in Rawalpindi
The extensive preparations preceded the first ODI of the series, which has since been completed successfully at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Australia were bowled out for 200 in 44.1 overs after Matthew Short scored 55 and Matt Renshaw contributed 61. Arafat Minhas starred with the ball for Pakistan, claiming 5-32 from 10 overs, while Abrar Ahmed picked up 2-44.
Pakistan chased down the target with five wickets to spare, reaching 202-5 in 42.3 overs. Babar Azam led the innings with 69 from 94 deliveries, while Ghazi Ghori added 65 and Arafat Minhas remained unbeaten on 18 as the hosts secured victory in the opening match of the three-game ODI series.
Focus shifts to remaining fixtures
With the Rawalpindi fixture completed, attention now turns to the remaining matches of the series, which are scheduled to be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The successful hosting of the opening ODI followed the implementation of one of the most comprehensive security operations put in place for the tour.
