England cricketers arrive for first Pakistan tour since 2005

cricket squad touched down in Karachi on Thursday on their first tour of Pakistan in 17 years -- a lengthy absence brought about by security fears. England last played in Pakistan in 2005 and were due to visit last year until pulling out at short notice after New Zealand also cancelled a tour citing safety concerns. The move infuriated the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), desperate to rehabilitate its security reputation, who called it "disrespectful".

Following a deadly 2009 attack by Islamist militants on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, Pakistan were forced to play international matches at neutral venues such as the UAE, where they hosted England for series in 2012 and 2015. Over the past five years, international cricket has gradually returned to Pakistan and earlier this year Australia toured successfully for the first time in nearly a quarter of a century. The PCB said that the Australia series had "demonstrated our event planning and operational skills" and expressed confidence that the England games will also pass off safely.

On match days, roads between the England team hotel and Karachi's National stadium will be sealed off and under armed guard. A helicopter will monitor their journey and shops and offices overlooking the stadium will be ordered to shut. The last time England toured Pakistan, the government was waging a desperate battle with Islamist militants, including its own domestic chapter of the Taliban.