LAHORE: The police have finalised security arrangements for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) cricket matches in the city, rejecting the speculations that the provincial capital will not host the mega sports event.

A meeting held on Friday decided to deploy nearly 700 police officials, including superintendents of police (SPs), for the PSL matches security.

Chaired by Lahore Operations DIG Afzaal Kausar, the meeting was attended by operations

SSP Sohaib Ashraf, divisional SPs and other concerned officers. It finalised the PSL security plan after deliberations.

Mr Kausar said a special force comprising highly-trained personnel would escort the cricketers from their hotel to the Gaddafi Stadium through a heavily guarded route.

In addition, the elite force and dolphin squad personnel have also been assigned extensive patrolling duties during the matches.

The Safe City Authority (SCA) has also been asked to ensure monitoring through its cameras,

he said, adding a massive search and sweep operation was launched in the vicinity of the hotel where the guest teams and other officials are staying.

Meanwhile, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar directed the Lahore police to take flawless measures for the safety and convenience of the teams, including foreign players, match officials and fans.

He said that safe city cameras should be fully utilised for monitoring and no road be closed unnecessarily.

He directed the senior police officers to ensure presence in the field for supervising the security arrangements.

The IGP also lauded the efforts of the senior police officers, including regional police officer for making foolproof security arrangements during PSL matches in Multan.“I am grateful to all the officers and personnel who performed PSL security, traffic and other duties in Multan”, Dr Anwar said.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2023