RAWALPINDI – Security has been tightened across Rawalpindi ahead of the highly anticipated Pakistan-Sri Lanka T20 International series, with the federal and Punjab governments deploying the Army and Rangers as part of the security arrangements for the visiting team and the matches.
The deployment comes as Sri Lanka have arrived in Rawalpindi for a three-match T20I series against Pakistan, with all three encounters scheduled to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 9, 11 and 13.
Authorities have stepped up security measures around the stadium and other key locations as the city prepares to host the international cricket fixtures. The presence of the Army and Rangers adds another layer to the security operation, alongside police and other law-enforcement personnel.
The arrangements cover the movement and accommodation of the visiting team as well as security around the stadium during the matches.
Sri Lankan cricket team has reached Rawalpindi for the series, while the touring squad is expected to be completed today after five more players join the team. Eight Sri Lankan players and five officials arrived in Rawalpindi on Sunday night, followed by another five players on Monday morning.
The Pakistan T20I squad is also assembling in Rawalpindi today, with the national team scheduled to begin its preparations for the series. Both sides will hold training sessions at 5pm, while media access to some sessions will be restricted to visuals only.
On October 8, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will train at 5pm, with the activities preceded by the official pre-series media conference. Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan and Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis will address the media before the trophy unveiling ceremony.
The first T20I will then take place on October 9, with a post-match media conference expected from one player or support staff member from each side. The second match will be played on October 11, while the third and final T20I is scheduled for October 13.
All three matches at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will start at 6pm, with the toss scheduled for 5:30pm.Both teams will also train at 5pm on October 10 and October 12. Media access during the October 10 session will be limited to visuals, while a brief media interaction with a player or support staff member from either team is expected before the October 12 training session.
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