Seal of approval: Zimbabwe satisfied with security arrangements for the series

Security delegation satisfied with arrangements for upcoming series

LAHORE: The Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) security delegation has expressed its satisfaction with the security plans put in place by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and security agencies for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe.

The delegation included ZCU Managing Director Alistair Campell, who is also former Zimbabwe captain, Tamuka Priveledge Mapfumo (Zimbabwe players’ representative), Pachavo Chiketa (Zimbabwe Team Manager and Cricket Operations Manager), Johannes Barnard and Manjoro Robson (Zimbabwe Cricket Security Consultants) and Khalid Tareen (Independent Security Official reporting to ICC).

“We would like to thank the PCB and all security agencies for the measures they have put in place,” said Campbell while talking to reporters in Lahore, “They have left no stone unturned to make sure that Zimbabwe will be safe and cricket will be the ultimate winner at the end of the day.”

He added that the Zimbabwe contingent is confident of its team’s successful tour. “We’re very excited to be embarking on this adventure and it’s been a long time that teams have come to Pakistan. In principle, we’ve agreed for the tour and are excited for what’s ahead and look forward for Zimbabwe national team to play in Lahore.”
Security team accompanied by PCB officials.

The delegation was given a detailed briefing on security deployment and measures at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), followed by a visit to the Gaddafi Stadium as well as the control room established across the road at the National Hockey Stadium to monitor the entire Nishtar Park Sports Complex.

Accompanied by PCB COO Subhan Ahmad, Director International Cricket Operations Zakir Khan, Director HR and Administration Brigadier (retd) Sajid Hameed and head of PCB’s security Colonel (retd) Mohammad Azam Khan, the delegation was also given another briefing by the law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the afternoon.

“This visit by Zimbabwe Cricket is meant to oversee the arrangements, in particular the security measures that have been put in place,” said Subhan.

“We have given them a detailed briefing with more to follow. We hope we have made the delegation’s visit as comfortable as we can.

The PCB official further said he hoped the arrival of team Zimbabwe will open more doors for international cricket in Pakistan. “We are positive Team Zimbabwe’s visit — the first by a Test-playing nation in six years — shall be a success and a harbinger of many more to come.”