Security consultant meets Sindh's CM, police chief as PCB seeks bringing PSL to Karachi
The security representative of a firm that advises the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Federation of International Cricketer's Association (FICA) met the Sindh chief minister and the province's police chief to discuss the security measures and arrangements regarding the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches likely to be held in Karachi.
Reg Dickason of Eastern Star International also visited the National Stadium to review and discuss the security arrangements with Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) security officer Azam Khan.
He visited the chairman box, VIP enclosures, dressing rooms, umpire room, control room, scoring tower, media centre, the ground and parking of the stadium.
Later, Dickason met Murad Ali Shah and IG Sindh A.D Khawaja to discuss the security preparations and plans.
While talking to the media he said: “I had a very productive meeting with the chief minister and IG regarding PSL matches to be played in Pakistan especially in Karachi."
"We were given a very full and comprehensive briefing by the law enforcement agencies which was heartening.
“Meeting with the chief minister also went well and he showed a lot of support for cricket coming back in Karachi,” he added.
In his meeting with Shah, Dickason said the teams should be given a separate dedicated route from the airport to hotel, hotel to stadium and stadium to the ground.
On this the chief minister responded: “Done. Provision of foolproof security to cricket teams is our responsibility and giving security clearance to ICC is your responsibility.”
"I would personally monitor each and every thing," the chief minister informed the consultant.
Director General Rangers Mohammad Saeed was also present during the meeting.
IG Sindh Khawaja welcomed the arrival of Dickason and said the return of cricket to Karachi after a very long time is heartening and will pave the way for the return of international cricket not only in Karachi but all of Sindh.
He assured that extraordinary measures will be taken by the law enforcement agencies in Karachi to ensure security and safety during the matches.
Dickason was roped in by the PCB in an attempt to regain the world’s confidence in security arrangements in Pakistan. He was also involved in security arrangements for World XI team’s recent visit to Lahore.
He has been contracted as a security consultant and adviser for numerous international sporting events since 1996 and has managed international teams as well.