For the love of cricket: Security arrangements for PSL semi-final finalised

Proposal regarding closure of schools near stadium is under consideration

LAHORE: Lahore Division Commissioner Abdullah Khan Sumbal has said security and rescue plan for Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been finalised from Lahore airport to hotel and Gaddafi Stadium.

Speaking at a high-level meeting, Sumbal revealed that proposals regarding the closure of schools within a three-kilometre radius of the stadium and partial suspension of Lahore Metro Bus service after 2pm on fixture days were also under consideration. However, the final decision in this regard would be made by the Cabinet Committee of Punjab.

Regarding rescue and health arrangements, one cardiac mobile, 20 ambulances, 18 motorcycle rescuers, 20 rescue posts and two improvised hospitals in stadium area and private hotels would also be set up.

About civic and administrative arrangements, the commissioner said all agencies and companies have been directed and checking as well as monitoring would start from the coming week.



He said 36 small Speedo buses, 20 big Speedo buses and 40 coasters by Lahore Parking Companies would be set to facilitate the cricket fans from notified parking areas to the stadium.

The meeting was also informed that cabinet committee would start daily visits from the next week. Police and Rescue 1122 would do four mock exercises with traffic police from the airport to team’s residence and Gaddafi stadium. Sumbal also said that during floodlight match, the stadium and adjacent roads would be beautified and illuminated to enhance the warmth of the great sports event.

Sumbal was chairing a meeting of two committees notified by the Punjab Home Department regarding arrangements for two PSL’s semi-finals in Gaddafi Stadium.

Lahore Mayor Colonel (retd) Mubashar Javed, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Samir Syed, Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) Bilal M Syed, Pakistan Cricket Board’s Colonel (retd) Ashfaq, Lahore City Traffic Officer Ray Ijaz, DG Protocol Noorul Hassan, Model Town, City and Cant. Assistant Commissioners, Lahore Transport Company Chief Operating Officer Zafar Ahmed and officers of WASA, SNGPL, PHA, LESCO, Civil Defence, Sports, Lahore Administration participated in the meeting.

A few days ago, Lahore Police had finalised a five-tier security plan for upcoming Pakistan Super-League (PSL) matches during a meeting chaired by Capital City Police Officer Amin Wains.

Wains said they would implement a comprehensive standard operating procedure for the matches. For this purpose, project cameras would be used. He said they would add further improvements to the plan, in regard to which no leniency would be tolerated.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 11^th, 2018.