New Zealand receive green signal from security team for Pakistan tour

The white-ball series between Pakistan and New Zealand will commence as scheduled as the security team of the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has given clearance for the tour. The Tom Latham-led New Zealand side is expected to arrive in the host nation next week. The tour will be the first for the Kiwis since 2003. The series is scheduled to take place from September 11 to October 3.

Previously, it was reported that New Zealand will go ahead with the series after clearance from security consultant Reg Dickason as a few players had raised concerns about touring the country. However, now, the pre-tour check has been completed and the series has received a green signal to take place as planned.

“The pre-tour check has been completed and the tour will be continuing as planned so far. We have confidence in the security team and the various arrangements in place for the tour,” Mills, who is also a director of the Federation of International Cricketers Association (FICA), said as reported by Cricbuzz.

New Zealand and Pakistan will lock horns in three ODIs and five T20Is 

A specialized team of security experts-ESI had been engaged by the NZC who assist to protect high-profile individuals, corporate staff, and professional sporting teams, for the recce. ESI security experts Reg Dickason and David Snears visited Pakistan to assess the situation ahead of the series. The team arrived in the host nation earlier this week and examined facilities at the venues.

“During their visit, they have also met with all the relevant security personnel and discussed security and medical arrangements (bio-secure), following which they submitted their report to the NZC. Reg will stay with the NZ team until the end of their tour, while David will stay until the conclusion of England women’s tour of Rawalpindi,” said the Pakistan Cricket board.

The Black Caps are currently in Bangladesh and will head to Pakistan on September 11. Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will play host to the three ODIs to be held on September 17, 19, and 21. The five T20Is will be played from September 25 to October 3 wherein the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will stage the five matches of the series.