Extra security measures may prove counter-productive

ISLAMABAD: After 10 years, a Test series is being held on the Pakistan soil with first game of the two-match series against Sri Lanka underway in Rawalpindi amid tight security. But many believe that such extra security measures for the visiting teams may prove counter-productive in the long run.

The Sri Lanka cricket team came under militant attack in 2009 at Lahore, but the security situation has since improved drastically in the country. The law and order situation in Pakistan is now at par with any other cricket playing nation.

And instead of the extra security measures, there is a need now to ease the movement of visiting teams and earn their confidence, according to former Pakistan cricketer turned TV commentator Bazid Khan.

“The main concern of visiting teams these days is not foolproof security cover but easy movement during their stay in Pakistan. Players and officials want to have easy access to places of their liking after landing in the country,” Bazid said.

“That has not been the case so far. I believe the time has come when we need to ease up foreign teams’ movement. Security should be the top priority but security at the expense players’ mental relaxation will not serve the purpose,” he added.

Since 2009, Pakistan has hosted several international squash, tennis, badminton and taekwondo events. The blocking of every road leading to Pindi Stadium, where the first Test is being played, will only give the visitors an impression that security is still a problem in the country.