With Pakistan hosting a major tournament for the first time since the 1996 World Cup, the government are leaving no stone unturned as far as security is concerned. The federal cabinet has approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Punjab Rangers to ensure the safety of all participating teams and the fans. The Asia Cup 2023 kicks off on August 30 in Multan. PCB will host 4 games in total in Multan and Lahore.
As per GeoTV sources, the Punjab caretaker government had requested the deployment of the army and Rangers. The request was approved on Saturday, 4 days before the Asia Cup 2023. The intense security will be deployed from August 27 to September 6. Meanwhile, the special forces will also be on standby should the need arise.
Alongside Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan and Bangladesh will all play at least one game in Pakistan. India, who are also participants, will play their games in Sri Lanka.
“The Punjab Rangers will be deployed in the second tier Quick Reaction Forces (QRFs), while the Pakistan Army deployment will be in third tier QRF mode,” the source told GeoTV.
Security has been one of the major concerns for nations touring Pakistan since the attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009. While normalcy has resumed in recent times, there still remain concerns. PCB are confident of a safe and secure tournament, having seen Australia, England and New Zealand also tour the country.
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