The costs of Presidential Security to foreign teams? A big problem in the long run?

[Savak]

As we have seen in the latest fiasco between the Punjab Govt, PCB, Franchises, these costs if incurred for a good 3-4 months can run into billions of rupees ie costing $5-10 million

These costs potentially out weight any revenues the PCB makes, we are not the BCCI where we have billion dollars in tv right deals.

Is it right to pass on these costs to the taxpayers all the time? The fact that the PSL franchises feel that it is cheaper to play in the UAE and the US is alarming.

What is the solution? Can the PCB find a sponsor in the economic environment being faced by Pakistan to sponsor, fund the security costs?

Can the ICC create a special fund for Pakistan for these security costs?

 

[ex-q-zit]

But why is the presidential level security so costly. Its not like you need to deploy missiles. Not able to unsertand how it costs crores when all they do is have armed personnel accompany the teams and blcok traffic enroute the team bus. Which of these are so costly?

 

[MenInG]

As we have seen in the latest fiasco between the Punjab Govt, PCB, Franchises, these costs if incurred for a good 3-4 months can run into billions of rupees ie costing $5-10 million

These costs potentially out weight any revenues the PCB makes, we are not the BCCI where we have billion dollars in tv right deals.

Is it right to pass on these costs to the taxpayers all the time? The fact that the PSL franchises feel that it is cheaper to play in the UAE and the US is alarming.

What is the solution? Can the PCB find a sponsor in the economic environment being faced by Pakistan to sponsor, fund the security costs?

Can the ICC create a special fund for Pakistan for these security costs?

ICC will say play your games in UAE if security is such an issue.

 

[kumjsr]

As we have seen in the latest fiasco between the Punjab Govt, PCB, Franchises, these costs if incurred for a good 3-4 months can run into billions of rupees ie costing $5-10 million

These costs potentially out weight any revenues the PCB makes, we are not the BCCI where we have billion dollars in tv right deals.

Is it right to pass on these costs to the taxpayers all the time? The fact that the PSL franchises feel that it is cheaper to play in the UAE and the US is alarming.

What is the solution? Can the PCB find a sponsor in the economic environment being faced by Pakistan to sponsor, fund the security costs?

Can the ICC create a special fund for Pakistan for these security costs?

Will ICC also be allowed to dictate government policies if PCB gets special funds?

 

[Major]

But why is the presidential level security so costly. Its not like you need to deploy missiles. Not able to unsertand how it costs crores when all they do is have armed personnel accompany the teams and blcok traffic enroute the team bus. Which of these are so costly?

you have security personals working in large number for the players. Each personal has to be provided living space and looked after with food. Food corruption takes place in such cases.

Cars provided are not simple cars, the coaster is a bullet proof coaster. When coaster travels, police patrol also travels. That cost alot of fuel.

 

[ex-q-zit]

you have security personals working in large number for the players. Each personal has to be provided living space and looked after with food. Food corruption takes place in such cases.

Cars provided are not simple cars, the coaster is a bullet proof coaster. When coaster travels, police patrol also travels. That cost alot of fuel.

But still these dont seem to total up to crores. As for the bullet proof buses these are one time investment and you dont need to buy them for every PSL. As for food and fuel again it may cost in thousands and not crores. Unless the security presonnel deployed ranges in 1000s.

It looks like a case where the Punjab Giverenment is facing a cash crunch and trying to rip off PCB to make up for its cash deficit. Food+Fuel+Convoy does not add to 50 crores in any which way. Yeah b ut add corruption to the list then it surely does.

 

[Kianig89]

The only way out is make the brand bigger,enhance the avenues for business Development or may be add another team like Sialkot Stallions or another Karachi franchise like Karachi Zulus

 

[Major]

But still these dont seem to total up to crores. As for the bullet proof buses these are one time investment and you dont need to buy them for every PSL. As for food and fuel again it may cost in thousands and not crores. Unless the security presonnel deployed ranges in 1000s.

It looks like a case where the Punjab Giverenment is facing a cash crunch and trying to rip off PCB to make up for its cash deficit. Food+Fuel+Convoy does not add to 50 crores in any which way. Yeah b ut add corruption to the list then it surely does.

they do.

Their is also the bomb squad that is there than a mobile forensic lab also arrives an stays outside the stadium. The secuirty convey is huge. Its not just a few cars, there are multiple busses and security teams.

Than they also set up CCTV cameras all around the route, than they have a team that watches those routes from a place where they get a feed.

 

[Major]

The only way out is make the brand bigger,enhance the avenues for business Development or may be add another team like Sialkot Stallions or another Karachi franchise like Karachi Zulus

karachi doesnt need another franchise. For another franchise from the same city, you need a large enough fan base and a separate stadium.

For example, Lahore could've had another team, but they never really built the franchise fan base.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Initially, the aim of the heavy security measures for presidential security in Pakistan was to bring cricket teams to the country and demonstrate that it was a safe place to play. The intention was to gradually scale back security over time as the teams became more familiar with their surroundings and the crowds returned to the games. This approach was designed to provide an initial comfort blanket for the teams, which would be gradually reduced as confidence in Pakistan's safety was established.

However, in recent years, the situation in Pakistan has become increasingly unstable. The resurgence of the Afghan Taliban and the TTP has led to a rise in the number of attacks, while the political system has descended into chaos. There have been bombings at police stations, assassination attempts on former prime ministers, and even an attack during a PSL exhibition. As a result, the heavy security measures have become the only way for teams to feel safe.

Despite the initial hopes of bringing cricket back to Pakistan, the heavy security measures have also had a detrimental effect on the sport. The lack of crowds, public interest, and dead matches have meant that any potential benefits of bringing cricket home have been nullified. The situation has left Pakistan in a difficult position. If they scale back security, the teams are unlikely to come, but if they move the games from Pakistan, it will be seen as a political failure, and they may never return.

Basically, the situation in Pakistan has evolved in such a way that the heavy security measures, initially intended as a temporary measure, have become a permanent fixture. Despite the potential benefits of bringing cricket back to the country, the current state of affairs means that it may be difficult to establish the sport in Pakistan in the way that was originally hoped.

 

[Mamoon]

If Pakistan is now safe to play cricket, why do we have to spend so much money on security?

I know the answer, but I want PCB and the fans who claim Pakistan is now safe to answer this question.

 

[Mp812]

If 1000s of security guys need to be deployed for safety and security cost is so high....is it safe place in reality? Or is it that the costs are an exaggeration simply to make some side money for politicians ?

 

[saabir]

Why don't PCB lease out some land near stadiums to build. 5 star quality hotels. It will save recurring security costs

 

[ex-q-zit]

they do.

Their is also the bomb squad that is there than a mobile forensic lab also arrives an stays outside the stadium. The secuirty convey is huge. Its not just a few cars, there are multiple busses and security teams.

Than they also set up CCTV cameras all around the route, than they have a team that watches those routes from a place where they get a feed.

OK, makes sense.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

If Pakistan is now safe to play cricket, why do we have to spend so much money on security?

I know the answer, but I want PCB and the fans who claim Pakistan is now safe to answer this question.

Pakistan isnt safe, agreed. But, your boy Sethi (the goat chairman) thinks it’s safe to play even in Quetta.

 

[Kianig89]

karachi doesnt need another franchise. For another franchise from the same city, you need a large enough fan base and a separate stadium.

For example, Lahore could've had another team, but they never really built the franchise fan base.

Karachi Dolphins, Karachi Zebras, Lahore Eagles, Lahore Lions the good old days of ABN Amro Cup

 

[Major]

Karachi Dolphins, Karachi Zebras, Lahore Eagles, Lahore Lions the good old days of ABN Amro Cup

that was because that league was based on local players and lahore used to have alot of quality players so they needed two teams for it. Franchise cricket isn't like that, you can be from Baluchistan Hub area and still be representing Multan.

Karachi didnt even require two teams, the only reason they had two teams was because lahore had two, so they had issue.

Lahore Lions wass too much politicalized aswell, it was not easy to get into that team, you would need influence or money to play for them. Even Yousuf had to play for lahore eagles if my memory serves me correct.

 

[MenInG]

The capital city police on Saturday excused themselves from providing security to the New Zealand team ahead of their visit to play against Green Shirts in Pakistan.

Sources told that the police said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had not provided funds and resources to them for arranging security. “We do not even have signal jammers and we are also busy performing our special duties for the census, flour-distribution centres, and Ramzan”, sources added.

The police had informed the PCB about the situation, they added.

Kiwis are set to play three T20Is against Green Shirts in Lahore on April 14, 15, and 17 respectively, and two T20Is and two ODIs in Rawalpindi.

Dunya

 

[MenInG]

The capital city police on Saturday excused themselves from providing security to the New Zealand team ahead of their visit to play against Green Shirts in Pakistan.

Sources told that the police said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had not provided funds and resources to them for arranging security. “We do not even have signal jammers and we are also busy performing our special duties for the census, flour-distribution centres, and Ramzan”, sources added.

The police had informed the PCB about the situation, they added.

Kiwis are set to play three T20Is against Green Shirts in Lahore on April 14, 15, and 17 respectively, and two T20Is and two ODIs in Rawalpindi.

Dunya

Update on this

The Islamabad police on Sunday said that it was “fully equipped” to provide end-to-end “foolproof and world-class” security to the New Zealand cricket team during their forthcoming visit to Pakistan.

The Black Caps will land in the country next week for an upcoming white-ball series with the national side.

However, on Saturday, a Geo News report, quoting police sources, said that the Islamabad police had refused to provide security for the series due to a lack of resources.

While not specifically mentioning the report, the Islamabad police stated that it had “flawlessly” provided the highest level of security during the visit of the English cricket team and the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League.

“ICTP shall be playing a key role in the provision of flawless security in collaboration with other stakeholders in Islamabad and Rawalpindi,” it tweeted.

 

[MenInG]

Police have chalked out a comprehensive security and traffic plan with 5,500 policemen and 370 traffic police to ensure a smooth traffic flow in the city during T-20 cricket matches between Pakistan and New Zealand.

According to sources, a foolproof security plan has been chalked out for the New Zealand team which arrived in Islamabad on a special flight from Lahore on Tuesday to play two T20 one-day cricket matches on April 20 and April 24.

According to traffic police, 370 traffic police officers and wardens have been deployed for the matches, while special arrangements have been made for traffic flow on alternate highways.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Taimoor Khan said the traffic will be diverted to alternative routes for a minimum period of time during the arrival and departure of the teams from the stadium.

At the time of arrival and departure of the teams, the traffic coming from Islamabad will be diverted to the Expressway from Faizabad. The traffic going from Rawalpindi to Islamabad will be diverted from 6th Road to Saidpur Road.

During the cricket match, Stadium Road will be completely closed on both sides from 9th Avenue Chowk to Double Road. According to the alternate traffic plan, the traffic coming from Islamabad 9th Avenue will be able to enter Rawalpindi through Faizabad and IJP Road.

During the cricket match, traffic from Faizabad will be able to enter Islamabad through Double Road and 9th Avenue. Parking facilities have been provided at three places for the convenience of cricket fans, said the CTO.

Parking will be arranged at Civil Aviation Ground, Shehbaz Sharif Park near Shaheen Chowk, and Graduate Degree College Satellite Town. Information banners regarding alternative routes and parking will also be displayed on main roads to assist cricket fans.

Foolproof security plan

On the other hand, the Rawalpindi district police, headed by City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani, chalked out a foolproof security plan, involving Rawalpindi and Attock police, for the T20 cricket matches between Pakistan and New Zealand.

Punjab Constabulary (PC) contingents with anti-riot gear have also been called to assist the Rawalpindi police, while water cannons will remain on stand-by positions at the Police Lines.

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2023

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

5,500 policeman and 370 traffic police for a series that has no relevance, is being played in the last ten nights of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, and against a country that didn't send send their best players...

 

[Major]

5,500 policeman and 370 traffic police for a series that has no relevance, is being played in the last ten nights of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, and against a country that didn't send send their best players...

whats your issue? we locals are happy and have no issue

 

[MenInG]

whats your issue? we locals are happy and have no issue

You are one of the locals.

Please explain why you are happy.

 

[Major]

You are one of the locals.

Please explain why you are happy.

we finally have cricket taking place in our home country. NO more watching empty UAE stadiums.

 

[daytrader]

whats your issue? we locals are happy and have no issue

So there are no roads blocked and discomforts for the general population? I know this was an issue for you when PTI protests took place so is it different for these events? Asking genuinely to know if there are proper plans in place

 

[Major]

So there are no roads blocked and discomforts for the general population? I know this was an issue for you when PTI protests took place so is it different for these events? Asking genuinely to know if there are proper plans in place

road blocks happen but that is for 15 mins max, maybe 30. But traffic plans are shared well in advance.

The blockage of roads is required.

A political protest and an international cricket team touring are two different things. PTI protest is for the whole day