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| December 27, 2003 | Saturday | Ziqa’ad 3, 1424 |
Indian tour of Pakistan in doubt after attack on President
KOLKATA, Dec 26: The resumption of India-Pakistan cricket ties may be affected following attempts on life of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf. India is scheduled to tour Pakistan during March-April next year.
“The decision of clearing Indian team to tour Pakistan is still pending with Indian government. The permission to tour Pakistan may now depend on law and order situation in Pakistan,” said a senior official of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Meanwhile, Pakistan authorities have suggested that Indian tour should commence from Feb 26 to April 15. However, Indian authorities maintain their cricketers need a short break after arriving from Australia.
The tour will now commence only on first week of March, subject to clearance from Indian government.
“Pakistan tour will depend on intelligence reports regarding safety of team in Pakistan. We have no objection to playing in any venue if tour is cleared,” revealed the official.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wanted India to play in seven one-dayers and three Test matches but BCCI have requested that number of one-dayers be reduced to five.
Pakistan have agreed to suggestion, but informed Indian authorities that they too will only play in five one-dayers during their return tour of India in 2006.
Shaharyar Khan, new PCB chief, has stated that one of his main objectives will be to ensure that more international teams tour Pakistan next year.
It is understood that PCB is keen to host Asia Cup in Pakistan soon after completion of Indian tour of Pakistan.
Though diplomatic relationship between India and Pakistan has improved, Indian authorities have informally informed an important Pakistan board official that Indian government’s decision will be based on law and order situation prevailing in Pakistan immediately on the eve of tour.—PPI
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