The security arrangements in Pakistan were excellent, we were safe: Paul Collingwood

Former England all-rounder Paul Collingwood believes that other teams should consider touring Pakistan for cricket series. The all-rounder was a part of the World XI squad, which took on Pakistan in the 3-T20I matches earlier this month. The security was beefed up and all the players presented impressive feedback upon reaching their home

Many countries were concerned visiting the nation , after the 2009 terror-attack on the Sri Lankan team bus. Apart from Zimbabwe no other nation were convinced to play cricket in Pakistan. Zimbabwe took part in a limited overs series in the year 2015.

“We were there five days and if you had that level of security for a longer tour, I can’t imagine how much it would cost,” Collingwood told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Army around you all the time: Collingwood

“It was like having the army around you at all times, which was excellent because we knew we were safe, [but] the disruption it must cause to every day living, because they literally closed all the roads to get to the ground. If you can sustain that level of security for a longer period of time, I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t tour there.” he added.

Collingwood admitted to having doubts before taking the trip, but said the response received from the Pakistan players and supporters made it more than a worthwhile exercise.

“I was a bit sceptical when I first signed up, and I haven’t had a great time with Pakistan cricket in the past in terms of [Mohammad] Amir and no-balls [in 2010], the ball tampering [allegations in 2006] etc so I was thinking ‘do I want to support that’ but after the week I’ve had I’m really proud I’ve been involved,” he said.

“There’s a bigger picture and to see the Pakistan players’ faces to play in front of their home crowd, to get their feelings and how much it meant to them, they were saying ‘thank you, it means so much to us.” Collingwood added.