DUBAI // Dean Jones, the coach of Islamabad United, does not want his side distracted in the defence of their Pakistan Super League title by debate over whether their overseas players will travel to Lahore if they reach the final.
With the tournament starting Thursday, PSL officials provided an updated security briefing about the final on Tuesday morning.
The Pakistan Cricket Board remain resolutely committed to the Twenty20 competition culminating on home soil.
Najam Sethi, the league’s chairman, gave a presentation about what he says are “fool proof” security measures for the match at Qaddafi Stadium.
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“The government has made a huge investment in securing the city and rest assured we will provide fool proof security to the players who will travel for the PSL final,” Sethi said.
The operation includes spending as brief a time in the country as possible, with the final on March 5 taking place just two days after the last play-off match in Dubai.
The PCB also have four bulletproof buses to transport players and officials to the stadium.
Jones says his players can decide for themselves, but wants them to focus on qualifying to make the decision in the first place.
“It is up to the players as to what they want to do, but our first priority is to get there first, then we will sit down and work with the players from then on,” Jones said.
“I understand where people are coming from. Do you want to help Pakistan out? Other people’s priority is with their family, and I respect that as well.
“It is up to each player, but they can’t do any more than what they are doing when it comes to security. I admire the Pakistan board for what they have done so far.”
Wasim Akram, the former Pakistan bowler who was part of the Islamabad coaching team last year, said overseas players who do travel for the final will be given “hero status” in Pakistan.
Ramiz Raja, another former Pakistan captain who is a PSL ambassador, said they would make “a priceless contribution to Pakistan cricket” if they travelled.
Islamabad enjoyed their first tune-up before their title defence begins against Peshawar Zalmi in Dubai tomorrow, as they thrashed the UAE in a 16-over match at the ICC Academy.
Dwayne Smith, the only one of Islamabad’s overseas players who played, scored a half century in their 128 for three. The UAE ended their 16 overs on 74 for six.
“We’ve been trying to create an environment where players know their roles and people feel comfortable,” Jones said.
“Last year, we didn’t start off well. We didn’t know our roles, there was a bit of anxiety in our team because of the expectations, and it took a while to settle down. Now they seem a lot more relaxed with where we are at.”
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