Cricket Australia sends emergency delegation to Lahore as SECURITY FEARS Peak ahead of T20I series

Cricket Australia (CA) has sent a team to Lahore to evaluate security plans ahead of their upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan in January. An independent security expert and a representative from the Australian Cricketers' Association will visit match venues and hold discussions with local authorities.

Australia are set to visit Pakistan early next year for a white-ball tour in two parts. The opening phase features the three-match T20I series in January. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not formally revealed the schedule or venues. It was reported that Lahore is likely to host all three matches in the series.

Cricket Australia Delegation Set To Assess Preparations In Lahore Ahead Of T20I Series

According to a report by the Times of India, the Cricket Australia delegation will closely review all arrangements in Lahore during their visit.

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They will inspect the Gaddafi Stadium, the LCCA Ground, and the team hotel. They are also expected to meet PCB officials and local security authorities to finalize safety plans for the tour.

"During their visit, the CA delegation will inspect facilities at the Gaddafi Stadium and the LCCA Ground in Lahore, along with reviewing arrangements at the team hotel. They will also meet with PCB officials, as well as government and security authorities, to discuss comprehensive plans for the tour," the report read.

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Australia will travel to Pakistan again in March for a three-match ODI series. However, the series is now likely to be moved to a later window because of the 2027 World Cup cycle.

The report added that officials from the Australian High Commission recently met PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to review security matters ahead of the visit.

"Additionally, officials from the Australian High Commission recently met PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi — who also serves as Pakistan’s federal interior minister — to discuss the upcoming tour," the report added.

This discussion came after reports that Sri Lankan players were urged to stay back and complete their white-ball series last month, following a suicide blast in Islamabad that had prompted a few of them to request an early return home.

Australia’s Visit Marks Return of Regular Tours to Pakistan

Australia’s visit is part of their effort to restart regular cricket tours to Pakistan after many years of security concerns. In recent seasons, teams like England and New Zealand have toured safely, which has helped build trust in Pakistan’s arrangements.

The PCB is confident about hosting Australia and says all planning is being done closely with Cricket Australia to make sure the series is safe and well-managed. Fans are waiting for the final schedule, which will be confirmed after the CA team completes its security review.

The three-match T20 series is expected to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, increase international interest in Pakistan cricket, and give fans a chance to enjoy top-level matches at home again.

Also read: Aakash Chopra shames Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan with brutal ‘Jasprit Bumrah’ dig during IND vs SA 1st T20I