24 February 2004	Tuesday	03 Muharram 1425

ISLAMABAD, Feb 23: A Senior Superintendent of Police will shadow the Indian cricket team during their forthcoming tour of Pakistan, Interior Minister Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat said on Monday.

"There are going to be no loopholes in security and the Rangers apart from police will be mobilised to provide a complete umbrella to the touring team," Hayat told a news conference.

The Indian cricketers arrive in Pakistan on March 10. Both South Africa and New Zealand who toured Pakistan last year had refused to play at the two centres because of security risks.

Hayat said that everyone in Pakistan was keenly awaiting the series but he called on the fans to be on their best behaviour as they had done in the past. Pakistan, he said had made special arrangements to facilitate the Indian fans keen on coming for the series and in this regard between 8 to 10 thousand visas are likely to be issued.

"We have directed our High Commission to facilitate the fans but the issuance of visas will be linked to purchase of tickets," he said.