PCB buys bulletproof buses to woo back international teams

Pakistan has largely been shunned by teams since 2009 when gunmen attacked a bus carrying Sri Lankan cricketers


Reuters July 15, 2016
Pakistan has largely been shunned by teams since 2009 when gunmen attacked a bus carrying Sri Lankan cricketers. PHOTO COURTESY: ESPNCricinfo

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has bought four bulletproof buses as it tries to convince other teams to shed their security apprehensions and visit the country.

Pakistan has largely been shunned by teams since 2009 when gunmen attacked a bus carrying Sri Lankan cricketers, injuring six players and killing six security personnel and two civilians.

The incident has forced Pakistan to play their 'home' matches at the United Arab Emirates and the country has since remained starved of international cricket at home, barring Zimbabwe's limited-overs tour in 2015.

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"We have bought these four Coaster buses as part of our efforts to revive international cricket in the country," a PCB spokesperson told ESPNCricinfo.

"There will be high expectations from teams willing to visit Pakistan and we want to ensure that we provide them with the best possible arrangements.

"Having these bulletproof vehicles would play a major part in convincing teams (about security arrangements)."

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The spokesperson said PCB wanted to host the final of the Pakistan Super League, the inaugural edition of which was held in UAE earlier this year.

"We have to have discussions with the (overseas) players about their safety and security and I think this new addition in our security facilities will definitely give us an edge," the spokesperson said.

"Our ultimate goal is to revive international cricket, and we are doing our best to make sure we can."

COMMENTS (7)

Anwar | 7 years ago | Reply Please do not forget the bullet proof jackets for the field and bullet proof ambulances to take them to the hospital. No need for bullet proof caskets for their bodies.
Naresh | 7 years ago | Reply “Mr. Shaharyar Khan the "Head Honcho" of the Pakistan Cricket Board has done the unbelievable to Pakistani Cricket in General and the Pakistani People in Particular. He has confirmed that the Government of Pakistan i.e. both the Civil Administration and the Pakistani Police along with the Pakistani Army are convinced that Terrorism is Rife and Uncontrollable in Pakistan and are totally convinced that Pakistan is now controlled by the Terrorists whereas previously the Terrorists were the so called “Non- State Actors and Strategic Assets" of Pakistani Government in General and the Pakistani Army in Particular. I hope PCB withdraws this business about BULLET PROOF BUSES and beseech and improve the Government and Army of Pakistan to control and eradicate Terrorism in Pakistan. Best of Luck to PCB and Pakistan.”
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