PCB wants security by army commandoes for players in Bangla

Karachi: Pakistan Cricket Board has asked for the presence of army commandoes and special accommodation for its team as a condition to participate in next month's Asia Cup in Bangladesh.

A reliable source in the PCB said that Bangladesh Cricket Board has assured Pakistan special and additional security cover for its players in the Asia Cup.

"Senior officials of the PCB made it clear to the BCB that they could only send their team if additional security measures were provided to their satisfaction," the source said.

"The PCB and BCB discussed the additional security measures and one of them is that the Pakistani team would be provided security cover round the clock by army commandoes.

Another additional measure is that BCB has to ensure that no protests or demonstrations are held within the vicinity of the hotel where Pakistan team is lodged and within a certain radius of the venue (the team would play)," the source said.

He said the PCB will send its security manager, Colonel Azam to Bangladesh on January 19 to discuss about the security plans for Pakistan team with the BCB and government officials.

"The PCB has made it clear to the BCB that their participation is subject to the report of their security manager whose report will be sent to the ministry of foreign affairs and their advice will be sought."

The source said the PCB conveyed clearly to the BCB that while they wanted to send their team, they could only do this if the ministry was satisfied with the security measures for the team in Bangladesh.

Security representatives from International Cricket Council and some member countries, including Pakistan, Australia, England and New Zealand are due to meet in Dhaka on January 20 with the BCB and government officials to discuss the security for the World T20 Cup which is also being held in Bangladesh.