- Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved the deployment of personnel from the Pakistan Army and paramilitary
- The interior ministry was approached for armed forces deployment to ensure the safety of foreign teams participating in the tournament.
- The collaborative security efforts will involve the Pakistan Army, Rangers, police, and other security personnel.
The federal cabinet of Pakistan has granted its endorsement for the deployment of personnel from both the Pakistan Army and paramilitary forces to ensure the security of the upcoming Asia Cup cricket tournament, scheduled to commence later this month.
The decision to approve this measure was obtained through a consensus reached among cabinet members via a circulated summary. This move comes in response to the impending visit of foreign teams to Pakistan for the tournament.
In response to a formal request from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the interior ministry was also approached to consider the deployment of armed forces to guarantee the safety of all participants. With the cabinet’s approval, it has been decided that the Pakistan Army and Rangers will collaborate with the police and other security personnel to ensure comprehensive protection for the foreign teams.
Given that Pakistan is one of the co-hosts of the Asia Cup, this decision holds significant importance.
The inaugural match of the Asia Cup is slated to take place in Multan on August 30, with Pakistan set to host a total of four matches, including a crucial Super 4s fixture.
Notably, India’s group stage matches, including the highly anticipated encounter against Pakistan scheduled for September 2, are scheduled to be held in Kandy. Subsequently, the remaining Super 4s matches, culminating in the final match, are set to unfold in Colombo.
The stage is also set for a monumental clash between the regional rivals, Pakistan and India, on September 10 in Colombo. This will occur if both teams successfully advance to the Super 4s stage of the tournament. As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await these matches, the paramount concern remains the safety and security of all involved parties.
As the Asia Cup draws near, the decision to enlist the support of the Pakistan Army and paramilitary forces underscores the nation’s commitment to ensuring a secure environment for players, officials, and spectators alike. The collaborative efforts of various security entities, including the armed forces, police, and other security personnel, will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of the tournament and upholding the spirit of sportsmanship.