A delegation from Cricket Australia has arrived in Lahore to assess security arrangements ahead of the national team’s scheduled T20I tour of Pakistan.
The visiting security officials will carry out detailed inspections of multiple locations, including Gaddafi Stadium, the National Cricket Academy (NCA), and the LCCA Ground, to evaluate the safety measures in place.
According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), along with local security agencies, will brief the Australian team on all protocols developed for the tour. Officials aim to ensure a comprehensive plan that meets Australia’s security standards.
While Lahore has been earmarked to host all three matches, the final decision will depend on the findings and recommendations presented in the security team’s report.
Australia’s T20I squad is expected to arrive in Pakistan at the end of next month for a three-match series. It is important to note that the PCB had asked Cricket Australia to expand the tour to five T20Is.
This request came after Australia sought permission for Pakistani stars Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, who will feature in the Big Bash League (BBL 15), to remain available for the tournament and not be recalled for the T20I series against Sri Lanka.
The PCB had issued conditional NOCs requiring these players to return for national duties if needed, and the Sri Lanka series is scheduled to overlap with the BBL season.