A delegation from New Zealand Cricket has arrived in Pakistan to assess security measures and other preparations for the planned ODI tri-series in January, featuring South Africa, Pakistan, and New Zealand. The tournament serves as a warm-up to the ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place in February and March.
The New Zealand group, which includes Brad Rodden from the New Zealand Players’ Association and security expert Reg Dickason, is visiting Karachi and Lahore to discuss security plans and event arrangements. Around the same time, an ICC delegation has also arrived in Pakistan to review the preparations for the Champions Trophy, which will involve eight teams.
The ICC group visited Karachi’s National Stadium before traveling to Lahore and Rawalpindi. A PCB official, according to TOI, stated that such visits are standard procedure ahead of major events, as Pakistan will host top international teams in February and March.
Both the New Zealand and ICC delegations inspected ongoing renovations at the stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, where the PCB is investing 12 billion rupees to ensure they are ready for the Champions Trophy.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Friday that the board is prepared to host all teams, provided the stadiums are completed on time. He also assured that teams entering Pakistan will receive state-level security, which he will personally oversee in his role as the federal minister of the interior.
As part of their security assessment, the New Zealand group also visited Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Rawalpindi Stadium.
The ODI tri-series, involving Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand, will take place shortly before the Champions Trophy, from February 19 to March 9.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
