The Islamabad police said on Sunday that they were “fully equipped” to provide “fool-proof and world-class” security to the New Zealand cricket team during their upcoming visit to Pakistan.
The Black Caps are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on April 9 (today) for the limited-overs series set to begin on April 14 in Lahore.
A day earlier, the police department had informed to media that the police have refused to provide security, saying they “do not have resources” and claimed that it is the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) responsibility to ensure resources for security.
The sources said the police personnel are busy performing their duties at free flour distribution centres, ongoing census, and other activities related to the holy month of Ramadan.
However, Inspector General of Police Dr Akbar Nasir Khan said that the Islamabad police have provided the highest level of security during the visit of the English cricket team and Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) eighth edition “flawlessly” in 2022-23.
“ICTP shall be playing a key role for provision of flawless security in collaboration with other stakeholders in Islamabad and Rawalpindi,” he assured.
The one-day international (ODI) and T20 international (T20I) series are set to begin on April 14 in Lahore, with three matches — one ODI and two T20Is — taking place in Rawalpindi. The touring teams stay at a hotel in the capital and travel to the Pindi Cricket Stadium for matches.
Pakistan v New Zealand schedule:
April 14 — 1st T20I, Lahore
April 15 — 2nd T20I, Lahore
April 17 — 3rd T20I, Lahore
April 20 — 4th T20I, Rawalpindi
April 24 — 5th T20I, Rawalpindi
April 26 — 1st ODI, Rawalpindi
April 30 — 2nd ODI, Karachi
May 3 — 3rd ODI, Karachi
May 5 — 4th ODI, Karachi
May 7 — 5th ODI, Karachi
