ICC security expert gives thumbs up for PSL final preps in Karachi

The ICC security consultant Reg Dickason has expressed his satisfaction over the security arrangements for Pakistan Super League (PSL) final to be held in Karachi.

Dickason arrived in Karachi on Saturday to review the security arrangements for PSL final, scheduled to be held on March 25. "From what we have seen today and what was demonstrated and documentation and level of commitment by all of these people here, I am very very satisfied," Dickason said.

"It was such comprehensive, thorough and professional presentation with the efforts of all agencies including that of Najam Sethi from the Pakistan Cricket Board [PCB] and the board's security department. It is very encouraging and it will be reflected in any subsequent report I will give to the PCB and the ICC."

Karachi last hosted an international match in 2009, a Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which was a week before the attack on the visitors' team bus in Lahore.

It was reported that the board and the security personnel demonstrated various things, including the transportation of the players from the airport to the hotel, from the hotel to the ground and then back to the hotel.

Dickason will now submit his report to the board in the next seven days. Apart from the final, the PCB has also decided to host two qualifiers in Lahore, hoping to attract all the top players this time around, after a few pulled out of the final last season.