RAWALPINDI: Special security arrangements were put in place for the four International Cricket Council (ICC) officials who arrived at Islamabad International Airport on Friday morning two days before the start of the ODI series between Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

According to sources, the ICC officials were: match referee Jeff Crowe from New Zealand, Elite Panel umpire Shahid from Bangladesh, emerging panel umpire Wayne Knight from New Zealand and umpire coach Karl Hurter from South Africa. They were escorted to Islamabad amid tight security.

The first cricket match of the ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played in Rawalpindi on Sunday. The second match between Pakistan and England will be played on Tuesday and the third match between Sri Lanka and England is scheduled for October 22.

As part of the security and traffic arrangements made by Rawalpindi police from Islamabad airport, an elite force squad and traffic police were assigned to escort the ICC officials. Chief Traffic Officer Farhan Aslam was heading the traffic arrangements during the movement of the ICC officials before they entered the federal capital territory.

Additional personnel had been deployed at important and public places and special surveillance of bus stands and hotels was carried out. Moreover, police station mobiles, elite and dolphin squads were patrolling around the cricket stadium. Traffic arrangements have also been made for the convenience of citizens.

A security and discipline unit has already been established by the police to check prompt deployment of police force to their designated locations and ensure the protection of police officers during the ODI cricket matches.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2026