Army and Rangers deployed for security during England and Sri Lanka cricket tours
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The federal government has approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Rangers to provide security for the upcoming visits of the England and Sri Lanka cricket teams.
The decision was taken after approval from the federal cabinet, with security personnel assigned at the request of the Punjab Home Department and the chief commissioner of Islamabad.
Under the notification, the Pakistan Army will perform security duties under Article 245 of the Constitution, while Rangers personnel will be deployed under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
Pakistan are scheduled to host Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The first T20I will be played on October 9, followed by the second match on October 11 and the third on October 13.
The T20I series will be followed by a seven-match ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka.
The opening three matches of the tri-series will be held in Rawalpindi, while the remaining league matches and the final will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Sahibzada Farhan will lead Pakistan’s 15-member T20I squad, while Shaheen Shah Afridi has been named captain of the 16-member ODI team.
Babar Azam will be available for the ODI competition but has not been included in the T20I squad.
The ODI tri-series is scheduled to begin on October 18, with Pakistan taking on Sri Lanka in the opening match. Pakistan will then face England on October 20.
Each team will play the other two sides twice during the league stage before the tournament concludes with the final at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on October 31.
The deployment of additional security personnel is aimed at ensuring safe and secure arrangements for the visiting teams throughout their stay in Pakistan.
