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Pak eye another home series
win against BD
Faisalabad—Despite Pakistan being on the verge of another series win
against Bangladesh at home Shoaib Malik has emphatically stated that
his side’s five-match contest against the the visitors is ‘not a
time-pass series’. Bangladesh have been swept on each of their trips
to Pakistan but Malik, despite a 152-run win in the series opener in
Lahore, refused to underestimate them and cautioned against
complacency. Pakistan have blooded a few youngsters recently and
they want to keep their options open with bigger assignments ahead.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, may be wondering just what they need
to do to win a game against Test-match opposition. Their recent form
is disappointing and their batting lacks depth. Mashrafe Mortaza’s
return to bowling form has been important but the lack of support
remains a concern.
With few teams touring Pakistan due to security concerns the local
fans would be hoping for a win to boost spirits in these times of
political unrest.
Meanwhile strict security arrangements have been made for the event,
with 2000 police officials deputed to provide cover. A checkpost has
been placed outside the stadium to prevent entry of unwarranted
people in the area.
Police and Elite Force Jawans along with plainclothed policemen will
also be on duty with both teams. Security officials too are
performing round the clock duty in shifts, at the hotel and the
stadium.
Surveillance cameras, 18 in number, have been installed in at
different points in the stadium, as well as in the Control Room to
monitor the activities in the enclosures and around the stadium.
Walkthrough security gates have been placed at all entry points of
stadium and enclosures. Police personnel will perform security duty
outside while the PCB security staff will be posted within the
stadium.
Traffic arrangements too have been given final touches. Only Rescue
1122 vehicle and DHQ hospital ambulance will be allowed within the
stadium premises, while all other vehicles will be parked outside.
Vehicles with VIP stickers will be allowed entry only to to drop
their passengers, after which they will be parked in the parking
area adjacent to the Arts Council compound. All other vehicles will
be parked in the DPS compound.
During the movement of the teams between the hotel and stadium, all
traffic on the route will be stopped and a 1122 vehicle will travel
with the team besides other security vehicles.
Regional Development Manager PCB Musaddaq Rasul Khan has said that
eatables, drinks, bags etc. will not be allowed in the stadium, and
asked people not to bring such items to avoid embarrassment. Entry
to the stadium will commence from 11.00 am while the match will
start at 3.00 p.m. and continue till 11.00 p.m.—Agencies
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