'Feel incredibly safe, been looked after really well by PCB' - Pat Cummins on security arrangements in Pakistan

Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins along with his star-studded side arrived in Islamabad on Sunday and was impressed with the security arrangements for the upcoming historic series in Pakistan. Cummins recently led Australia to a thumping 4-0 Ashes victory over England at home and his captaincy will now have a big test now in Pakistan conditions. Australia is set to play a three-match Test series, three ODIs and one-off T20I against Pakistan.

This will be the first tour for Australia to Pakistan since 1998 as not many teams have been touring the nation after the 2009 terrorist attack on players in the Sri Lankan bus. Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh and South Africa have been the recent teams to tour the nation, however, Australia’s entry into the nation might lead to New Zealand and England touring the country as they pulled out last year citing security reasons.

We’re lucky to be surrounded by professionals: Pat Cummins

Cummins noted that the security arrangements have been good right from landing at the airport until coming into the hotel. He added that the players have been comfortable around in the hotel and stated the bio bubble has restricted them to just the hotel and ground.

“I feel incredibly safe. We’ve been really well looked after by the PCB. Upon arrival, there’s been lots of security. We were straight off the plane and straight to the hotel. We’ve got a pretty good set-up here and we’ll be confined to the hotel except for games and training. It’s comforting and we’re really lucky to be surrounded by so many professionals,” Cummins was quoted as saying by India Today.

“There are lots of things around which might be a little bit different to what we’re used to but we know it’s been taken care of, so we can just really enjoy ourselves here,” he added.

Meanwhile, Australia’s head coach Justin Langer has resigned from his position recently and Andrew McDonald will be the interim coach for the Pakistan tour.