Exclusive: BCB Security Official Impressed by 'Top-Level' Safety Measures in Pakistan

The Bangladesh national cricket team’s security official has praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for providing what he described as “more than expected” security arrangements ahead of the upcoming three-match T20I series in Lahore.

The series, now trimmed to three matches from the originally scheduled five, had come under threat following recent border tensions between India and Pakistan, which also led to the temporary suspension of both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL).

TOUR REDUCED AMID SECURITY CONCERNS

In response to the escalating situation, the PCB sent a revised itinerary to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), limiting the series to three matches at a single venue — Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium — instead of five games across multiple cities.

That decision followed players’ concerns about travelling to multiple venues given the security risk. Earlier in May, India and Pakistan had engaged in their most intense military standoff in decades, lasting four days before a ceasefire was agreed.

One player, Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana, opted out of the tour after a troubling experience during his PSL stint with Peshawar Zalmi earlier this year. According to BCB officials, a few other players also hesitated initially but were reassured by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who guaranteed top-level protection and agreed to shorten the tour for better security coordination.

BULLET-PROOF VEHICLES, CLEARED STREETS FOR TEAM MOVEMENTS

Security was always going to be a key consideration, prompting the BCB to send a dedicated team led by Major (Retd) Imrose Ahomed, who is now overseeing the touring side’s protection in Pakistan.

“They have done more than we expected,” Imrose told SportsBoom.com, in an exclusive interview. 

“The protection they are providing is absolutely top-level. I deal with similar issues in Bangladesh, so I can confidently say they’ve met and even exceeded international standards.”

Imrose highlighted some of the extraordinary measures taken to ensure player safety, including the provision of bullet-proof vehicles for both teams and complete road closures during travel.

“Whenever we move, the roads are cleared entirely. The authorities even instruct nearby houses to keep their windows and doors shut. That’s how detailed the security arrangements are."

He added that even on late-night returns from practice sessions — like one instance at 11:30 PM — the entire route was illuminated with LED lights in addition to regular street lights to eliminate any dark zones.

“We travel about 10 to 12 kilometers to the stadium, and police and Rangers are stationed all along the route. It shows how seriously they are taking this. Security is not a concern for us anymore."

NO LOCKDOWN, BUT CAUTION ADVISED FOR PLAYERS

Despite the strict security measures, Imrose clarified that the players are not under any formal movement restrictions. 

However, team management has advised them to stay within the hotel premises unless prior arrangements are made.

“There’s no ban on players going out,” he said. 

“But the recommendation is that if they do want to step out, they should inform the local authorities in advance so proper arrangements can be made.”

“The Colonel who is coordinating local security told us, ‘Sir, there’s no issue if you want to go out. Just let us know, and we will take care of it.’ But we shouldn’t break protocol by sneaking out. The players are currently not inclined to leave the hotel anyway. Maybe after the first match, they’ll feel more relaxed,” Imrose added.

The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will began on May 28, with the next two matches scheduled for May 30 and June 1. 

All games will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Both cricket boards are hopeful that a well-conducted series will pave the way for more frequent bilateral ties, despite geopolitical tensions in the region.