Ahead of England's second Test against Pakistan on Friday, December 9, in Multan, reports of gunshots being heard almost 1 kilometre away from the team's hotel. The disturbing noises were heard in the morning before the squad left their hotel for training on the ground.
However, local authorities have informed the team's members that there is no danger to the squad in Multan as the unsavoury incident took place almost a kilometre away from their hotel and was unconnected with their visit. Reports also suggest that no one was injured during the incident and the Pakistan police authorities have made four arrests as the gunshots were heard as part of a gang war
Meanwhile, England resumed their training session at the Multan Cricket Stadium, which will also host the second Test between the two countries. The stadium is situated half an hour away from the location of the apparent gang war. The practice took place with much more military personnel around the team, even more than was seen during the Rawalpindi Test match.
Despite the incident, an England spokesman confirmed the teams' security plans remain unaffected.
News of the incident brought back memories of the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team when a bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricketers was fired upon by 12 gunmen near Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore where six members of the Sri Lanka national cricket team were injured as well.
Meanwhile, Mark Wood will make his return to the England squad for the second Test in the absence of the injured Liam Livingstone. Ollie Pope will also continue donning the glove as he has been named as the wicketkeeper-batter while Ben Foakes misses out due to an injury once again.
The first Test was a whirlwind of emotions, but the visitors eventually got the better of Pakistan, courtesy of some brilliant captaincy by Ben Stokes.
