England are slated to play a seven-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting from September 20 in Karachi.
England men’s cricket team landed in Karachi for their first tour to Pakistan in 17 years. They have been granted VVIP status throughout the tour. England players were escorted off the Emirates flight from Dubai straight into bulletproof buses to take them to the team hotel.
England’s arrival in Pakistan marks a huge moment for the country and for the three-match Test series in December. England will play the T20I series in two legs, with four matches in Karachi followed by three in Lahore.
England were escorted through the back entrance with minimal fuss but the gravity of the situation was highlighted by the fact that the road between Jinnah International Airport and Movenpick Hotel was closed to the public, with armed guards around the convoy throughout the journey.
Moreover, snipers were stationed on nearby buildings, over 300 additional security guards at the hotel, and around 5000 additional police officers across the city.
Jos Buttler, the England captain who has travelled with the team despite a calf injury likely to force him to sit out for at least the first half of the tour, addressed the media on Thursday.
“It’s great to be back as an England cricket team after a long time. We’re delighted to be here.”
“It seems over the top, but of course it is there to make sure everything runs smoothly. That’s the initial challenge as players, just visually, it being very different. After a day or two you get used to that, focus on the cricket and look forward to playing,”
he said.
The skipper made a donation from the players to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s appeal amid the floods that have wrecked parts of Pakistan. It is understood the donation is a five-figure pound-sterling sum and will be matched by the ECB.
Buttler drew a parallel with the curtailed Indian Premier League 2021, which was played in India amidst the peak of the second COVID-19 wave. The England captain added they understand what Pakistan people are going through and hopes the sports can provide some distraction.
