May 27, 2008	Tuesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 21, 1429

KARACHI, May 26: The Asian Cricket Council has declared adequate security arrangements are in place in Pakistan for next month’s Asia Cup cricket tournament, an official said on Monday.

The ninth edition of the Asia Cup will be held in Pakistan from June 24 to July 6, for which security arrangements were discussed at an ACC meeting held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Sunday.

“Everything is in order and we are satisfied with the security arrangements made by Pakistan. We hope that the event will be held in a befitting manner,” ACC chief executive Ashraful Huq said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials made a presentation on the tournament, which will feature India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.

Security has been top of the agenda for international teams touring Pakistan in recent years.

Australia put off their March-April 2008 tour to the country over security fears amid a series of suicide bombings.

However security has improved since national elections held on Feb 18, prompting Australia to reschedule their tour in two phases. They will tour Pakistan for a one-day series in 2009 and then for Tests the following year.

Ashraful announced that an awards’ ceremony will also be held during the Asia Cup to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the ACC’s formation.

“Awards will be given to top Asian cricketers and administrators of the past and present to mark the occasion and for this a four-member committee has also been formed,” said Ashraful.—AFP