PESHAWAR, March 18: The Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Shaharyar M. Khan, has asked the people to continue the traditional hospitality, stressing that bilateral ties between the two countries hinged on this high profile tour.

"This series has great importance in view of the bilateral relations of two countries and it should not be considered as an ordinary tour. It is more important than the Australian or South African tours," Mr Khan told a press conference on Thursday.

The PCB chairman, disclosed that the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad had also promised him to allot land for the construction of a big cricket stadium in the federal capital.

Flanked by District Nazim, and other officials, Mr Khan said that they expect the same hospitality and positive attitude from the Peshawarites. He also appreciated the efforts of President General PervezMusharraf for helping in streamlining the important tour.

"I can proudly say that the president has great role in this connection," he added. Replying to a question regarding the role of the District Cricket Associations, in the ongoing series, he recalled that the tour was of high importance and that was the reason that arrangements were chalked out at the high level.

He stressed that even a minor lapse in the series could strain relations between the two countries and therefore the PCB had to make the arrangements itself.

He disclosed that the NWFP governor has expressed willingness to allot a piece of land at Regi Housing scheme and when the tour is over, the PCB would start its work on the feasibility of the land and construction of a big stadium which can accommodate more spectators in future.

Commenting over public allegations against the procedure of ticket sales, he claimed that the ticketing problems that occured at various places was due to limited capacity of stadiums against a large number of ticket seekers.

With the construction of big stadiums at Peshawar and Islamabad, there will be no problems in future as regards sale of tickets. PCB chief also asked the fans not to bring cell phones and any solid items.