A home ground waits for it for 29 long years to witness an ICC event, as Pakistan gets ready for the first match with hosts going against New Zealand this Wednesday. Security has been one of the prime concerns when it comes to international sporting events in Pakistan, especially when digging into the unfortunate events of why the Sri Lankan team did not finish their tour in 2009. While the Indian team never agreed to travel for this event being held in Pakistan, PCB made sure the other teams would be afforded the utmost security.
According to reports in local media, almost 12,000 police officers and personnel will be engaged during matches to be played in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The roster will include 18 senior officers, 54 DSPs, 135 inspectors, 1,200 upper subordinates, 10,556 constables, and over 200 female police officers.
Apart from the security forces, the PCB has also made arrangements with the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national airline of the country, to schedule special charter flights for fans and participating teams. These flights would reportedly operate between Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore so that seamless transportation for players and other high-profile guests is taken care of during the whole tournament.
Cricket fever has gripped Pakistan as the Champions Trophy unfolds with fans eagerly waiting for the action to begin on Wednesday and businesses related to the game too picking up before the tournament opener between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand.
But for many, the disappointment lies with India not playing its games in Pakistan.
“It’s disappointing because generally there is so much admiration for the Indian team and players, especially Virat Kohli, in our country,” said shopkeeper Moiz Ahmed at the famed Zainab Market right in the centre of Karachi’s bustling Saddar.
Moiz expressed his surprise regarding the sale of Indian jerseys among Pakistan fans.
“Virat Kohli definitely has a big fan following in Pakistan,” he said as youngsters mingled in the shop choosing different team shirts.
Kashif, a college student, said he had always admired Kohli as a player and also because of his humility.
“He’s so down to earth in his behaviour from what we see in the media,” he said.
The shopkeepers at Zainab market, famous for the selling of originals and copies of the team shirts whenever any big cricket or football event takes place, are elated that the Champions Trophy is in Pakistan.