The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) has recently issued a report which advises the players from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final.
Three English players of the Quetta Gladiators, Kevin Pietersen, Tymal Mills and Luke Wright have all announced they would not be participating in the PSL final. Luke Wright tweeted:
It’s with a heavy heart I will not be coming to Lahore. I have a young family and for me a game of cricket is just not worth the risk 1/3
— Luke Wright (@lukewright204) February 28, 2017
PSL also has to replace its foreign commentators — including Danny Morrison, Alan Wilkins and Mel Jones — who have all said they would not be coming to Pakistan to cover the event. PSL is said to be in talks with Waqar Yunus to come to Pakistan as commentator.
In Fica’s report that has been issued, FICA has clearly warned the players of the potential risks associated with the final being played in Lahore. It highlights that the security is still “at an extremely elevated state”.
The report also pressurizes that “an acceptable level of participant security and safety cannot be expected or guaranteed.”
On the other side of the table, security measures have been improved and elaborated with Pakistan Super League (PSL) being entertained in Lahore.
Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera, stated in a video-link conference held at the Central Police Office on Tuesday, that police representatives should ensure the thorough inspection of the sensitive areas. He hopes of eradicating the security threat that has developed in the country.
The IG further emphasized that all departments should be consulted before a security plan is set up for the Pakistan Super League (PSL). “All available resources must be utilized to provide fool-proof security to educational institutes, markets, parks, hospitals, courts, and all other important institutions,” he added.
Read more: PSL Final: Lahore or Dubai? A Decision hanging on regional dynamics?
He also outlined the need of securing the suburbs of Lahore and Qaddafi stadium. He further advised that steps must be taken to strengthen the security of institutions, mosques and imam bargahs and that each organization should stay in contact to protect the international and national players alike.
DG ISPR: PSL final will be be played in Lahore
The Director General Inter Services Public Relations, Asif Ghafoor, claimed that the Army will do everything in its power to spread its deterrence but, with the continued help of other government organizations.
He also said that the terrorists are not bias towards a particular race, region, province or nationality and therefore, Pakistan army will do what it may, to provide extensive security to the international players participating in Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The DG ISPR further commented that the Pakistan army has delivered successful operations in Swat, FATA and North Waziristan and is hoping to eradicate the security dilemma through its on going operation – Raddul Fasaad.
Read more: Pakistan Army begins: ‘Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad’ all across Pakistan
PSL Cricket final at Lahore. pic.twitter.com/9ukvoK5Npr
— Kunwar Khalid Yunus (@KunwarKhalidYun) March 1, 2017
The Chief Ministers appeal to the nation
The provincial cabinet committee on law and order, headed by the Chief Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, was called in Lahore on Monday to finalize the security preparations. A senior official who attended the meeting explained that the VVIPS are accustomed to traveling in a three-tier security range. However, it has been decided that the players will be provided with a five-tier security instead.
The cabinet has also decided that the spectators will pass through sniffers and metal detectors before they are allowed to enter the premises of the stadium. In addition to that, no car will be allowed to park within 400 yards of the venue.
read more: Expanded remit of military operations in Punjab, no decision on PSL…
The government expects that, with the police and the army working together, the security measures will prove as applicable and the confidence of governments ability in safe guarding its people will be restored.