Bangladesh authorities have promised that additional security measures will be taking to ensure the safety of Pakistan’s team during the Asian Cup.
This year’s event was doubtful to take place following violent protests in the wake of the January 5 national elections, but last week the Asian Cricket Council confirmed that the event will take place in Dhaka from February 25-March 8.
On Thursday, Officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) met to discuss security protocols at the event.
“The BCB has assured the PCB of enhanced security measures for their national cricket team during the Asia Cup and security aspects surrounding the Pakistan team’s participation was discussed among representatives of Asian nations on the sidelines of the ICC meeting,” said a BCB release.
The meeting was held after PCB had requested additional security, according to BCB acting chief executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.
“We have had a positive discussion. The PCB has requested additional security measures for the Pakistan team which will be incorporated in our security plan. We have assured the PCB that their requirements will be fulfilled,” said Nizam.
Later, PCB interim chairman Najam Sethi confirmed that the BCB had accepted their request for additional security at the event.
“BCB has given a formal statement saying the Pakistan team will be provided whatever additional or special security it asked for over and above those for other teams,” Sethi told AFP.
“We are sending our top security official to Bangladesh to attend an ICC security meeting in January and to review security plan,” said Sethi.