Pakistan assure England security 'air tight'

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assured its English counterparts (ECB) that security for the tour later this month will be "air tight".

Although the ECB carried out its own checks in June, recent bombings have again raised concerns over player and spectator safety.

"The security will be air tight," said Abbas Zaidi, the PCB's director of operations, after meeting government officials. "We do not foresee any problems with the security arrangements for the England and their followers.

"The issue of visas for visitors from the United Kingdom for the series was also discussed in detail. The government officials have been co-operative in the past and they are again extending all co-operation."

Karachi, a venue which has been under the spotlight of late in a city with a record of terrorist attacks, is understood to have been the focal point of the discussions. England leave for their three-Test, five-ODI tour on October 26.