The Hindu : Sport : Experts advise Australia not to tour Pakistan

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Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008
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Experts advise Australia not to tour Pakistan

Karachi: Cricket Australia dealt a severe blow to the chances of its team playing in Pakistan in March-April when it informed the PCB in writing that it had been advised by security experts not to play in the South Asian country.

CA Chairman Creagh O’Connor has sent a letter to his PCB counterpart in which he has informed that he has got security briefings against playing in Pakistan.

“They have told us that the security experts have expressed reservations over playing in Pakistan at this time and that the security and political environment is not right for the scheduled series,” PCB Chairman Dr. Nasim Ashraf said.

Ashraf said what was troubling was that the CA had also asked if Pakistan still wanted it to send a security delegation to assess the situation in the country for the tour. “I have written to them that we still believe the environment is conducive and safe to have the Test and One-Day series at selected venues and they should fulfil their commitment.

“I have told them they should send their delegation soon after the general elections on February 18 and see for themselves the ground realities in Pakistan and also get first hand briefings from our security experts and government officials,” the PCB chief said.

Top PCB official Shafqat Naghmi is also due to meet his Australian counterpart James Sutherland in Malaysia later this week to discuss the tour and venues.

Peter Young, CA’s media spokesman, said the final decision had not been taken on the tour but Australia was keeping the Pakistani officials updated about the latest developments. “We are constantly monitoring the situation and getting security briefings and informing Pakistan about our position. We are keen to play in Pakistan and so far no final decision has been taken on it,” Young said. — PTI

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