1st ICC Meet In 3 Decades Kicks Off In Pakistan Amid Heavy Security; Hosts Disappoint In Opener

Karachi: It was a red-letter day for Pakistan as its dream of hosting a multi-team ICC event was fulfilled after nearly three decades as the eight-nation Champions Trophy got underway at Karachi.

The crowd at National Stadium, however, was disappointed to see their team falter against New Zealand in the Group A clash. Chasing a victory target of 321, Pakistan stumbled to 229/8 in 44 overs.

Having co-hosted the ODI World Cup in 1996 with India and Sri Lanka, there was a prolonged lull vis-à-vis international cricket on Pakistan soil, especially after the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus. That year, Pakistan was scheduled to host the Champions Trophy, but the tournament was shifted to South Africa because of security concerns.

Bilateral cricket resumed with some teams touring Pakistan for Test matches and white ball series in the last few years, though Indian government has steadfastly refused to let its national team travel across the western border to play cricket. Consequently, all of India’s matches will be played on a neutral ground, in Dubai.

For the first time in 29 years, Pakistan on February 19 hosted an ICC event fixture as the home team took on New Zealand.

No wonder the National Stadium was virtually a fortress, with Pakistan leaving no stones unturned to provide foolproof security for the players, officials and the crowd, including foreign visitors.

According to The News, Punjab Police (Pakistan) have deployed over 12,000 officers and personnel for security during matches in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, the venue of matches in Pakistan.

Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will stage three league stage matches between February 22 and March 5, will have more than 8,000 security personnel on duty. This includes 12 senior officers, 39 DSPs, 86 inspectors, 700 upper subordinates, 6,673 constables, and 129 female officers.

Rawalpindi, which will host three matches between February 24 and 27, will have over 5,000 officers. The security team includes six senior officers, 15 DSPs, 50 inspectors, 500 upper subordinates, 4,000 constables, and over 100 female personnel.

Nine charter flights have been arranged to ensure safe travel of the players.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has also announced nine special flights for fans and officials. These flights will operate between Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore to ensure smooth and efficient transportation during the tournament.