KARACHI, Dec 20: While praising the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its determination, Prof Sirajul Islam Bukhari, secretary of the Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA), on Friday condemned India for cancelling their tour to Pakistan.

Bukhari criticised India’s decision to cancel the January-February tour, at the traditional dinner reception hosted in honour of players and officials featuring in the Pentangular Cup one-day tournament here in Karachi.

While expressing his annoyance over India’s refusal to visit Pakistan on political reasons, the KCCA secretary called for keeping politics away from sports to reduce the tension between the two countries.

He appealed to all followers of the game to condemn India for this act (of cancelling tour) which is bound to divide the followers of the game in the two countries.

Bukhari lauded the PCB for showing resilience and not pleading India to play the series at a neutral venue.

All the players and officials of Punjab Stallions, NWFP Panthers, Balochistan Bears, Sindh Dolphins and Federal Areas Leopards attended the reception.

The ceremony was also attended by former Test and first-class cricketers and umpires, KCCA officials and guests.

—APP