The English cricket team has been granted VVIP status during their tour of Pakistan, with the same security and protocol provided to the president of the country.
According to government sources, the Prime Minister's Office has issued directives to extend full VVIP treatment to the visiting English players and officials. The Cabinet Division has instructed the Interior Ministry to take all necessary measures to ensure foolproof security for the team, especially in Multan and Rawalpindi, where matches are scheduled to take place.
"The English cricket team will receive the highest level of security and protocol, equivalent to that of the president," a government source revealed.
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The decision comes as part of Pakistan's commitment to ensuring the safety of international teams and maintaining strong diplomatic ties with the United Kingdom.
Previously, Pakistan Test team captain Shan Masood has addressed a press conference in Karachi, focusing on team-building, player support, and the upcoming Test series against England.
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“The team is working hard to ensure a positive result against England, especially after the disappointment against Bangladesh. We are aware of the challenges ahead, and we are determined to deliver memorable performances,” Shan said. He also noted that while the team is sorry for recent losses, they are moving forward with a positive mindset.
Shan acknowledged that the Pakistan team didn't achieve the desired results in the past year, including in the Bangladesh series. “We lost on critical occasions, but we accept responsibility and are preparing for better outcomes,” he remarked. He highlighted that Test cricket demands both mental and physical resilience, and there will be no compromise on fitness.