The Hindu : Azad all praise for security arrangements

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 16, 2004

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Azad all praise for security arrangements

RAWALPINDI, MARCH 15. The chief security officer with the Indian cricket team, Yashovardhan Azad, has expressed his satisfaction with the security arrangements in Pakistan so far.

Azad, who accompanied the team during the evening training session at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, here, on Monday, said "the cricketers have been able to focus on their job. They are relaxed."

He had a special word of praise for the security arrangements in Karachi. "I think they (the Karachi police) were professional in their job, and did not leave any room for complaint."

The chief security officer was also happy that the government in Karachi took a keen interest. "The ministry was involved and there was all-round cooperation."

It was a particularly memorable moment for him when he was invited to the Police Control Room in Karachi after the ODI, where top cops like Wahid Khan were on hand to greet him.

"I never disbelieved that that security would be good," he said, adding that he had made the Indian team's requirements clear to the police personnel and the Pakistan Cricket Board, during his visit as part of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) three-member team ahead of the series.

Azad, who keeps a watchful eye on the team even during the training sessions apart from coordinating the side's security arrangements, said the security in Rawalpindi had been adequate so far. He said a large number of Indian fans were expected to watch the matches in Lahore.

In Lahore and Karachi, the Elite Police and the Rangers, who are specially trained, have guarded the Indian cricketers.

By Our Special Correspondent

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport