Pakistan is set to host its first major International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament in nearly three decades, with over 13,000 police personnel deployed across the cities of Lahore and Rawalpindi for security.
The event, the ICC Champions Trophy, will be held from February 19 to March 9, and will take place in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
The deployment comes after years of security concerns in the wake of a 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, which led to international teams avoiding tours to Pakistan.
Following the attack, Pakistan's cricket scene struggled to host international teams, but the situation began to improve in 2019 with the return of the Sri Lankan Test team.
In the years since, foreign players have participated in Pakistan’s domestic T20 leagues, marking a slow but steady return of international cricket.
This year’s tournament will see Pakistan hosting eight teams, but India's matches will be held in the United Arab Emirates. India’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan stems from its government's security concerns.
To ensure the safety of players, officials, and fans, over 13,000 police officers will be on duty during the matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
More than 8,000 officers will be assigned to security tasks in Lahore, while more than 5,000 will be stationed in Rawalpindi. Senior officers, district superintendents, inspectors, and women officers will all be part of the security force.
Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar stated that the police are conducting intelligence-based operations around the players' residences and along team routes to the stadiums.
The Safe Cities Authority will monitor the area through cameras, ensuring security at stadiums, hotels, and other venues. Police units will conduct regular patrols during the matches, and snipers will be positioned on tall buildings around stadiums to ensure additional protection.
Dr Anwar assured the public that the authorities are committed to providing a peaceful and secure environment for the tournament, urging fans to follow all security and safety protocols.
The tournament will be hosted across three venues: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Both Lahore and Karachi stadiums have undergone extensive renovations to enhance the viewing experience for spectators and improve broadcast quality.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will mark Pakistan’s return to hosting major international cricket tournaments since it co-hosted the 1996 World Cup with Sri Lanka and India.
As the country prepares for this milestone event, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safety and smooth organisation of the ICC Champions Trophy, sending a message of resilience and commitment to the world of cricket.
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