At least 17,000 security personnel will be deployed for the ICC Champions Trophy matches to be held in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi from February 19 in Pakistan. According to sources, the Punjab government has started preparations to provide 24-hour security to the participating teams, which will include team hotels as well as match venues in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

PCB is not taking any laxity in the matter of security

An official said, the Punjab government will deploy about 12,500 officers and other security personnel for the matches and teams. He said that 7,600 police and security personnel including special commandos will be on duty for the matches in Lahore, while 4,500 officers including 411 of the special branch will oversee the security in Rawalpindi. The official said that if necessary, 'snipers' and aerial surveillance will be done during the tournament with the help of the army.

India-Pakistan in same group
Eight teams will participate in the Champions Trophy which have been divided into two groups of four each. There will be 12 matches in the group stage after which the semi-finals and the final will be played. India and Pakistan are in the same group and the match between the two will be played in Dubai on February 23. India will start its campaign against Bangladesh on February 20. After this, it will face Pakistan and then will face New Zealand on March 2. The final of the Champions Trophy will be played on March 9.