Pakistan board finalises security arrangements

Officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) met with the Ministry of Interior to discuss various security-related issues concerning the forthcoming home series against England and India.

Abbas Zaidi, Director PCB, told the Karachi-based daily, The News, that the board's preparations for the series were nearly complete.

"It was a general meeting held to review a lot of things with regard to the series against England and then India. The issue of visas for visitors from the United Kingdom for the cricket series was also discussed in detail."

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have asked for foolproof security arrangements for their team and spectators who are planning to come to Pakistan for the series. Zaidi added, "The security for them will be airtight. The interior ministry officials have been cooperative in the past and this time also they are extending all cooperation. We don't foresee any problems with the security arrangements for the visitors."

England arrive on October 26 to play five one-day internationals and three Tests, their first tour to Pakistan since 2000. The tourists have already rejected a proposal to play a Test match in Karachi or any match in Peshawar for security reasons.