As the 2023 Asia Cup approaches, Pakistan is getting ready to host the tournament for the first time since the 1996 World Cup. Ensuring security for players and fans has become the main focus of the preparations. Reliable sources from GeoTV report that the federal cabinet has approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Punjab Rangers to guarantee the safety of everyone involved.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on August 30 in Multan, followed by four games in Multan and Lahore, both hosting venues of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The decision to involve the Pakistan Army and Punjab Rangers in security operations came in response to a request from the Punjab caretaker government, highlighting the seriousness of the security situation. This heightened security plan will be active from August 27 to September 6, covering the entire duration of the Asia Cup 2023. Additionally, special forces will be on standby, ready to react swiftly to any unexpected incidents.
According to GeoTV’s sources, the Punjab Rangers will be part of the second-tier Quick Reaction Forces (QRFs), while the Pakistan Army will be deployed as part of the third-tier QRF mode. This multi-tiered approach aims to create strong and adaptable security measures, minimizing risks and ensuring safety for everyone.
The security of cricket events in Pakistan has been an international concern since the attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009. Pakistan has made significant progress in restoring normalcy and building trust in its security arrangements, evident through successful tours by teams like Australia, England, and New Zealand.
The 2023 Asia Cup promises to be an exciting cricket spectacle, featuring top teams from the region. Below is a glimpse of the group stage and Super 4s schedule.
The Asia Cup 2023 Schedule
The Asia Cup 2023 is set to be an exciting cricketing spectacle, featuring top teams from the region. Here’s a glimpse of the group stage and Super 4s schedule:
Group Stage
August 30: Pakistan vs Nepal in Multan
August 31: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka in Kandy
September 2: Pakistan vs India in Kandy
September 3: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan in Lahore
September 4: India vs Nepal in Kandy
September 5: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka in Lahore
Super 4s
September 6: A1 vs B2 in Lahore
September 9: B1 vs B2 in Colombo
September 10: A1 vs A2 in Colombo
September 12: A2 vs B1 in Colombo
September 14: A1 vs B1 in Colombo
September 15: A2 vs B2 in Colombo
September 17: Final in Colombo
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates