In a much-needed respite for the Sri Lankan players and the support staff, as far as security is concerned ahead of the upcoming third and final T20 International in Lahore, Sri Lankan Air Commodore Roshan Biyanwala has expressed his satisfaction over the security.
In a bid to resume international cricket in the country, Pakistan government has made top-notch security arrangements for the smooth conductance of the match on Sunday (October 29).
“We attended a meeting where the Inspector General of Police of the Province was in attendance. There were some top security experts, and every person was briefed about his role. It’s a massive operation,” Biyanwala told Cricbuzz.
Giving a brief on the security arrangements, the senior military official said:
“They have got a comprehensive monitoring system. From airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the ground and then back to the airport, all movements are monitored by a sophisticated CCTV system. The Pakistan forces don’t want to even give the Sri Lankan players a hint that their lives are in danger. We had a few concerns, and they have been all cleared, and throughout the Pakistani security chiefs have been very cooperative.”
“The Pakistani forces have shown great commitment. They have been superb and very professional. The emergency evacuation plan is top notch. For obvious reasons, we can’t disclose everything, but we are extremely happy with what is in place,” Biyanwala added.
The statement from Biyanwala will be a huge morale booster for the players who have landed in Lahore in the early hours of Sunday. With the likes of Upul Tharanga and Lasith Malinga opting out of the upcoming match, the players have displayed remarkable braveness to tour Pakistan where barring Zimbabwe in 2015; no international team had visited since 2009 when terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan team bus.
Video of the day:
The upcoming match will also be a big step for Pakistan in their desperate hopes of resuming international cricket in the country. The cricket-obsessed nation had already successfully staged the Pakistan Super League final and the series against World XI in Lahore and will be keen to prove their credentials of hosting international match again.
Heartiest welcome to @OfficialSLC to Pakistan , lovely ppl & friends forever ???, Pakistan is ready to host U all with warm hospitality as always
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) October 28, 2017
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will be looking to win the final to avoid a whitewash.
Also Read: (Kumar Sangakkara Bids Adieu To First Class Cricket)
(PAK vs SL 2017, 1st T20I: Everyone is Excited to Have Sri Lanka Back in Pakistan -Mohammad Hafeez)