NEW DELHI: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is set to dispatch a security delegation to Pakistan in preparation for their upcoming five-match T20I series scheduled for April this year.
A reliable source within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed that the delegation will comprise private security expert Reg Dickason, along with Heath Mills, a senior official of the NZ players association.
Dickason, a seasoned security consultant, has previously worked with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and various cricket boards during high-profile tours to Pakistan in recent years.
“The delegation is due in early March to visit Lahore and Rawalpindi where the matches will probably be held,” the source stated.
The forthcoming series between New Zealand and Pakistan holds significance as it marks a reciprocal visit following Pakistan’s tour to New Zealand earlier this year, where they played five T20Is.
As part of their security assessment, the delegation will inspect match venues, team hotels, and engage in meetings with government and security officials to review and enhance security arrangements for the visiting team.
The decision to conduct this security evaluation comes after a previous security threat prompted the New Zealand white-ball squad to return home from Rawalpindi in September 2021, without playing a scheduled match.
Subsequently, New Zealand resumed cricketing activities in Pakistan during the 2022-23 season, participating in a Test and ODI series, followed by another separate white-ball series.
The upcoming visit by the security delegation underscores NZC’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its players and officials during international cricketing engagements, fostering continued cricketing ties between New Zealand and Pakistan.
(With inputs from PTI)