Lahore ready to host three-match T20I series

Face-off for Independence Cup starts tomorrow; more than 6,000 cops deployed at Qaddafi Stadium for security

LAHORE: International cricket is all set to return to Pakistan on Tuesday (tomorrow) with a three-match T20I series in which the national cricket team will face off against World XI at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The first T20 match is slated for September 12, the second for September 13, and the third match will be played on September 15.



Punjab sports minister has ordered all concerned institutions to spare no effort in making the World XI T20I series a success.

“The Punjab government wants to restore recreational activities for all citizens,” Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Jahangir Khanzada said during a press briefing regarding the Independence Cup at 90-Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam on Sunday.

He said, “A 25-bed temporary hospital facility is being made available in National Hockey Stadium with the cooperation of Punjab Sports Board, while an eight-bed temporary hospital is also being set up in PC Hotel Lahore where paramedics’ staff, including doctors, will be present.”



Punjab government spokesman Malik Ahmad Khan, DIG Operations Haider Ashraf, CTO Lahore Rai Ijaz Ahmad, Commissioner Lahore Division Abdullah Sumbal and a large number of media representatives were present on the occasion.

The Punjab government is utilising all of its resources to promote international sports activities, said the spokesman, who is also special assistant on information and culture to the Punjab chief minister.

“After Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in the provincial metropolis, successful holding of World XI matches of Independence Cup will not only cast a positive image of Punjab but also Pakistan as a peaceful and sports-friendly nation throughout the world,” said Khan during the presser.



Commissioner Sumbal said, “Arrangements have been made at all enclosures at Qaddafi Stadium for providing basic facilities to all citizens. A final shape is being given to best cleanliness arrangements through joint efforts of Lahore Waste Management Company. Electric coolers and filtration plants are being installed inside the stadium so that cricket lovers can drink cold water.” All edible items will be available at controlled rates within the limits of the stadium, he added.

The DIG operations said, “19 SPs, 45 DSPs and 6,000 police officials will be deployed at the venue to provide security. Four-tier VIP securities will be provided to the players.”



CTO Lahore, giving details of Traffic Advisory Plan, said, “A traffic plan has been evolved for smooth flow of traffic in Lahore. For information on alternate routes, citizens of Lahore can contact traffic police helpline 15.”

Public transport like taxis and rickshaws will not be allowed in the parking area to avoid any untoward incident, while it is compulsory for the spectators to bring their tickets and identity cards otherwise they will not be allowed to enter the stadium, he added.

At the conclusion of the press briefing, spokesman Khan said the Punjab government seeks full cooperation of civil society and media for restoring cricket. “Senior leaders of all the parties have been invited with the cooperation of Pakistan Cricket Board,” he added.