Heavy security as Test cricket returns to Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has implemented strict new security measures for the return of Test cricket after a 15-month absence. The match might be fairly low profile - Pakistan take on Test whipping-boys Bangladesh - but the PCB is leaving nothing to chance.

The first Test starts at Karachi on Wednesday, and even though only a small crowd is expected, the stadium will have a heavy military and police presence.

Rameez Raja, the PCB's chief executive, insisted that there was no cause for concern. "Security was never a problem in Pakistan," he said. "It was just a myth. People in Pakistan are waiting for cricket. I don't think their interest lessened due to Pakistan playing home series on neutral venues."

The PCB will be keen that the matches against Bangladesh go without any hitches, as a packed season will also see them host home series against South Africa and New Zealand.