Rawalpindi: The safety of players has become the biggest issue in Pakistan. Recently, a bomb exploded outside the stadium in Quetta when the players were preparing to play a Pakistan Super League match. Babar Azam and Shahid Afridi were present in the stadium at that time. However, he was taken out safely. Suspicion remains on the holding of the Asia Cup due to the issue of security. Here, tight security arrangements have been finalized for the eighth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches being played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Over 5,000 policemen were deployed for the security of the PSL. While 347 traffic wardens and officers were also deployed to control the traffic in the circle.
Three control rooms have been set up
According to Pakistani media, a spokesperson said that the relevant authorities have been instructed to ensure security for cricket matches. The arrangements have been finalized keeping in mind the convenience and safety of the players and sports lovers. A plan was also drawn up to reduce traffic on the roads in Rawalpindi during the matches. Three control rooms have also been set up to monitor the arrangements.
🚨 TOSS UPDATE 🚨@TeamQuetta win the toss and elect to bowl first 🏏
Follow ball-by-ball updates: https://t.co/MkjdKMyGtF#HBLPSL8 | #SabSitarayHumaray | #LQvQG pic.twitter.com/Q6IdDrlB7j
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 2, 2023
Deployed 5,000 policemen
He said that around 5,000 policemen including senior officers and officials from various units of police including SSPs, SDPOs, SHOs, Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit and Elite Force are ensuring security for the mega cricket tournament. He said the security personnel were guarding, patrolling and managing traffic during the match. Three-tier security is being provided at the stadium and people are being allowed to enter the stadium only after a thorough screening process.
will be played in Rawalpindi 14 matches
The spokesman said teams from the Dolphin Squad, Elite and the Police Response Unit would continue their effective patrolling around specific areas of the city. Snipers were posted on the rooftops to keep an eye on all the activities during these matches. According to the police, 14 PSL matches will be played in Rawalpindi, out of which five will be during the day and nine in the evening. Special shuttle service is being provided for the spectators going to the stadium.
Around 160 cameras have been installed
He said that the district administration was providing a shuttle service, for which special arrangements had been finalised. Various places have been identified for parking while motorcycle parking has been arranged near the stadium. Around 160 cameras have been installed inside and outside the stadium to monitor all the security arrangements. A special survey of buildings in the vicinity of the stadium has also been done. Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Awan had directed that all resources should be used for tight security during the ongoing PSL matches in the city.
