International cricketers have always faced varying degrees of security concerns when traveling to certain regions, and Pakistan’s security measures have been under scrutiny in recent years.
As Cricket Australia’s players arrived in Lahore for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, they shared their firsthand experiences regarding the enhanced security protocols in place to ensure their safety.
Adam Zampa, the Australian leg-spinner, detailed the extensive security arrangements that were in place as the team touched down in Lahore.
“Yeah, it’s heavily secured. You know, we landed into Lahore and basically we’re getting into heavily secure mini buses, and the whole city shuts down for us to get from point A to point B,” he explained.
Zampa further highlighted the strict security surrounding their accommodation, with the area around the hotel being “quite heavily secured,” showcasing the careful measures taken to guarantee the players’ protection.
Travis Head, opening batsman for Australia, also shared insights into the team’s atmosphere and experience during the trip.
“Just making sure we look after each other and enjoy each other’s company,” he said.
Reflecting on their previous training session, Head mentioned, “Training was a good one yesterday to get out. I think everyone was looking forward to that, so we had a really good hit out.”
He added that their training sessions were a mix of intense practice and downtime, noting that players alternated between focused training and more relaxed activities like kicking the footy or enjoying casual conversations.
Zampa also drew a comparison to a more youthful experience, likening the team dynamics to an under-19s carnival.
“It kind of feels like an under-19s carnival again. The boys have an open door policy, in and out of each other’s rooms, playing games, doing haircuts, a lot of coffee time,” he said.
Despite the demanding tour schedule, Zampa emphasized the positives of such a close-knit environment, adding that these tours can foster team cohesion, “These tours can be tough, but they can also be good for cohesion. You end up spending time with a lot of guys that you wouldn’t necessarily do if you have the freedom of movement.”
With the security protocols ensuring the players’ safety and fostering a unique atmosphere, Cricket Australia’s players are making the most of their time in Pakistan, focusing on preparation for the tournament.
