From bulletproof buses to snipers on rooftops: Strict security in Pakistan as England return after 17 years

Karachi: There was bulletproof buses, snipers on the rooftops as the England cricket team returned to Pakistan for the first time in 17 years for a seven-match bilateral T20I series.

According to The Guardian's report, before Tuesday’s T20 international three-man sniper teams were stationed around the stadium, one on the roof of the Indus University, another on top of the huge billboard, a third above an apartment block.

The Spidercam, which provide aerial pictures for the TV feed, had been taken down as it would make it impossible for the army helicopter that follows the team to land on the outfield if needed for an emergency evacuation.

England last played in Pakistan in 2005 and were due to return last year, until they followed New Zealand's departure on safety grounds with a cancellation of their own, citing concerns over 'mental and physical well-being' of their players ahead of the Ashes.

In March, Australia came for the first time in 24 years and New Zealand will come back to resume the series they abandoned in 2021. (UNI)