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| September 24, 2005 | Saturday | Sha’aban 19, 1426 |
Lahore bomb blasts worry England
LONDON, Sept 23: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will closely monitor events in Pakistan over the next month after two separate bomb blasts in Lahore Thursday claimed lives of six people and injured more than 20 others.
England team is scheduled to leave for a two-month tour of Pakistan on Oct 26. Five fixtures are scheduled for Lahore, including Third Test and two one-day internationals.
A recent inspection of facilities in Pakistan, conducted by Professional Cricketers Association chief Richard Bevan and security consultants from London-based Olive Group, found no major cause for concern ahead of England’s tour.
However, ECB chairman David Morgan conceded that Thursday’s bombings may prompt his board to take a closer look at security arrangements.
“The safety and security of players and staff is of paramount importance,” he said. “I don’t know much about these bombings yet, but we will keep an eye on events.
“We were satisfied with inspection, but until I know more about this situation it is difficult to comment further.”
Australia A team was in Lahore at the time of blasts, which were apparently aimed at civilian targets. Australia A team management arranged with Pakistan Cricket Board to shift Friday’s ODI against Pakistan A from Bagh-e-Jinnah ground to more heavily fortified Qaddafi Stadium across town.
“We’re taking advice from authorities,” said Australia chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns, who is with A side in Lahore. “At this point we’re staying.” —PPI
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