England’s cricket squad touched down in Karachi on Thursday on their first tour of Pakistan in 17 years.
England last played in Pakistan in 2005 and were due to visit last year until pulling out at short notice after New Zealand also cancelled a tour citing safety concerns.
The move infuriated the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), who called it “disrespectful”.
The PCB said that the Australia series had “demonstrated our event planning and operational skills” and expressed confidence that the England games will also pass off safely.
On match days, roads between the England team hotel and Karachi’s National stadium will be sealed off and under armed guard. A helicopter will monitor their journey and shops and offices overlooking the stadium will be ordered to shut.
