Punjab Police Steps Up with 12,000 Officers, 39 DSPs in Lahore & 15 DSPs in Rawalpindi for Champions Trophy Security

Pakistan, once considered off-limits due to security worries, is set to host its first ICC tournament in nearly 30 years. The Champions Trophy 2025 gives Pakistan a chance to show off its organization and safety measures. Starting on February 19, the tournament will take place over two and a half weeks at three different venues. It will be co-hosted by the UAE because India chose not to tour Pakistan, meaning India will play all their games in Dubai, including the semi-final and final if they make it that far.

Despite major cities experiencing less security problems over the past few years, precautions have been enormously enhanced in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The argument was further strengthened in favor of holding the event with recent tours from South Africa, Australia, England, and New Zealand. Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja, who was the PCB chief when the tournament was handed over to Pakistan in 2021, added that it is an opportunity to demonstrate to the world that Pakistan is a secure destination for cricket.

"Convincing the world that Pakistan is a safe country and that it is capable of delivering such a global event from an administration point of view took serious hard work and convincing. The world eventually understood our viewpoint,” Raja told AFP. 

"This Champions Trophy is a crucial step toward normalizing Pakistan's standing in the global cricket community. It's about national pride and sending a strong message about resilience and determination. It is about youth engagement, cultural promotion, and building a global image. Now the onus is on us to deliver." he added.

IG Punjab Police Assures Full Protection for Players and Fans

The Punjab Police has put together a strong security plan for the Champions Trophy at the Lahore and Rawalpindi stadiums, according to The News. They will deploy a total of 12,000 security personnel to ensure the safety of visiting players. This team is made up of 18 senior officers, 54 DSPs, 135 inspectors, 1,200 mid-level officers, 10,556 constables, and 200 female officers. In Rawalpindi, three matches are scheduled for February 24, 25, and 27, while Lahore will host three matches on February 22, 26, and March 5.

For the matches in Lahore, 8,000 officers will be on duty, including 12 senior officers, 39 DSPs, 86 inspectors, 700 mid-level officers, 6,673 constables, and 129 female constables. Meanwhile, Rawalpindi will have a total of 5,000 officers working to keep everything secure.

Apart from the Champions Trophy, tight security arrangements are made for other events held in Pakistan. There are six senior officers, 15 DSPs, 50 inspectors, 500 mid-level officers, 4,000 constables, and around 100 female staff. Taking full security into account, IG Punjab Police has promised security for all players, officials, and spectators. He also mentioned that search, sweep, and intelligence-based operations are already in progress at players’ residences, along their routes, and around the stadiums to ensure everyone’s safety.

The Champions Trophy is returning after more than seven years, and Pakistan is the defending champions of the coveted title. The opening game of the upcoming marquee ICC event will be played between Pakistan and New Zealand. The match is scheduled to be played in the National Stadium, Karachi.

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