Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) planning to host at least four matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Karachi early next year, the security representatives of a firm that advises the International Cricket Council and the Federation of International Cricketer's Association paid a brief visit to the National Stadium.
Among the visiting contingent was globally-renowned security official Reg Dickason, who was shown around the stadium by the board's head of security Colonel Mohammad Azam Khan.
According to the Express Tribune, the chairman box, VIP enclosures, dressing rooms, umpire room, control room, scoring tower, media centre, ground and parking area were the places analysed by Dickason and company as they look to compile their report on the venue's security arrangements.
"He [Dickason] was quite convinced after seeing PCB's preparations and plans.He also gave his input and suggested some changes, which will be presented to PCB Chairman Najam Sethi in a report. And if the changes are approved by the board, they will be incorporated into the plan," the official said.
Dickason had also met Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, IG Sindh, AD Khawaja, DG Rangers Major General Mohammad Saeed and other senior-ranked personnel as the planned matches are certain to require the heavy deployment of police officers around the stadium.
Reflecting on his meeting, Dickason said, "I had a very productive meeting with the CM and IG regarding PSL matches to be played in Pakistan, especially in Karachi. We were given a full and comprehensive briefing by law enforcement agencies, which was heartening. The meeting with the CM also went well as he showed a lot of support for cricket coming back to Karachi."
"We have taken notes of all the briefings and now will be submitting a detailed report to the PCB and the ICC," he added.
The final of the second edition of the PSL was held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore earlier this year and served as the first step in this direction.
Since then, a World XI side had visited Lahore for a three-match T20I series, while Sri Lanka have expected travel Pakistan for the third T20I, set to be held in Lahore this Sunday.
Earlier this month, PCB chairman Najam Sethi had said the board is looking to get the Karachi's National Stadium ready in time for the upcoming third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which is slated to begin on February 9 next year.
Sethi, who replaced Shaharyar Khan earlier this August, had added that the board would try to hold PSL matches in Karachi while three will be hosted in Lahore.
The players' draft for the PSL 3 is slated to be held from November 10 in Lahore.
(With Agency Inputs)
