ICC sends two-member team to review security arrangements in Pakistan for World XI series

With the Independence Cup confirmed to take place in Lahore, a two-member special security team of the International Cricket Council (ICC) arrived in the city on Monday to review security arrangements for the upcoming mega event. ‘Presidential level security’ arrangement has been proposed for the week-long tour that will comprise of three T20Is between the Pakistan cricket team and a World XI comprising of international cricketers.

It is also reported that PCB officials will brief the ICC team on security arrangements, especially inside and around the Gaddafi Stadium, the venue for the tournament.

International cricket has been stalled in the country since 2009

Turning back the clock, international cricket in Pakistan had come to a standstill after anti-socials attacked a bus carrying Sri Lanka cricketers to the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore in March 2009. Following the mishap, several international teams had refused to tour the country thereafter and consequently, Pakistan had to shift their base to the UAE and have been playing all their home cricket matches there for the past eight years.

In 2015, Zimbabwe braved a tour to Pakistan for a short limited-overs series but was left scarred by a bomb blast merely 800 meters from the Gaddafi Stadium during the second ODI.

PCB is working hard to revive cricket in the country

Earlier in March this year, PCB successfully hosted the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Lahore that featured several international cricketers. Thus, the revival of the sport will provide a major boost to the nation and may also help shape the conscience of the cricketers, which plays a major role in cordoning off security-related issues on international tours.

Coached by former England coach Andy Flower, the World XI side will be led by South-African batsman Faf du Plessis. The squad comprises a star-studded lineup of 14 players from seven different countries. The three-match T20 series will be played on September 12, 13 and 15 at the Gaddafi Stadium.