RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: All is set for third T-20 cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka here at Gadaffi stadium on Sunday (today) amid stringent security measures.

The match will start at 6:00 pm. The start time has been brought forward by an hour due to the prevailing weather and dew conditions in Lahore.

Pakistan is leading 2-0 in three T20 match series. Two T20 matches were played in the UAE. Spectators are advised to reach the stadium in time. The stadium gates will be opened three hours prior to the start of the match at 3:00pm. An opening ceremony will take place at 4:45 pm.

The successful tour of the World XI paved the way for the return of international cricket to Pakistan and now the Sri Lankan team playing a T20 game is another step forward to have international cricket being played in Pakistan.

Officials of law-enforcing agencies, district administration, Metropolitan Corporation Lahore, Civil Defense, Rescue 1122, health authorities and other departments have finalised arrangements for the match.

Over 200 volunteers of civil defense department will perform duties at different points along with security personnel while there will be a comprehensive sweeping of the route by the Bomb Disposal Squad of Civil Defense.

In Lahore, an Emergency Response Center has been established at Nishter Park Sports Complex. Secretary Sports Board Punjab, Muhammad Amir Jan, visited the emergency response center and reviewed all arrangements.

On this occasion, he was briefed about functioning and management of this center. The secretary directed all the concerned functionaries to remain present in the center to avoid any untoward incident. He said excellent facilities are being provided to spectators, audience and cricket lovers for the upcoming match.

Former cricketers have termed this T20 game as a defining moment in Pakistan cricket. What important is that the team from Sri Lanka is playing in Pakistan after 2009 unfortunate incident when their bus was attacked by terrorists, he said. They acknowledged the hard work and continuous efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board for bringing back international cricket to Pakistan.