Karachi gets green signal to hold PSL matches

ICC-recognised security firm satisfied with security arrangements

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) plans to hold some of Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 3 matches in Karachi have received a major boost as an international security firm has expressed satisfaction with security arrangements at the National Stadium of Karachi.

Eastern Star International, the said consultants who advise the International Cricket Council and other such bodies on matters of security, sent its representative Reg Dickason for an inspection of the stadium last weekend.

On his visit, Dickason was shown around by PCB's Colonel Azam and also held meetings with with Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah as well as IG Sindh, who assured full cooperation.

Following the visit, Dickason submitted a favourable report to the ICC, indicating that the city of Karachi and its sole international level stadium is safe enough for the T20 league.

“Dickason was satisfied with the arrangements during his visit, something he had conveyed to the PCB right there and then," a PCB official told The Express Tribune. "But now the board has received in writing too that they can hold matches in Karachi."

Following Dickason's endorsement, the local government of Karachi has begun cleaning up the surroundings of the stadium, while renovation work is expected to begin Monday.