The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Sri Lanka’s tour to Pakistan uncertain

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Sri Lanka’s tour to Pakistan uncertain

Colombo: Uncertainty clouded Sri Lanka’s proposed cricket tour to Pakistan with the sports establishment on Thursday weighing the pros and cons of the trip including security aspects.

Well-placed sources said the fate of the series hangs in balance after the Sports Ministry sacked the Interim Committee of the Sri Lanka Cricket headed by former captain Arjuna Ranatunga which had committed to a tour of Pakistan starting January 20, 2009.

Stating that it is not inclined to compromise India’s interest, Sri Lanka said it is weighing the pros and cons of sending its team to Pakistan.

“Yes, the cricket tour hangs in balance currently. We are discussing the matter. There is still time,” the sources said when asked on the prospects of Sri Lanka touring Pakistan after India pulled out of next month’s tour following the Mumbai terror attacks.

Sources said though Sri Lanka wanted to help Pakistan host some international cricket on home soil, it was apprehensive of doing something that might go against India’s interest.

“Pakistan is our good friend and has supported us on many occasions. Sri Lanka has also always expressed its solidarity with Pakistan. But decisions also cannot be against India’s interest, the sources said.

When contacted, the Sri Lankan Sports Minister, Gamini Lokuge, said security clearance was required before giving the go ahead for the tour. “We will be approaching the International Cricket Council for security clearance,” he said.

“We also need the foreign ministry’s clearance for the tour and will be discussing the matter soon, he added.

Lokuge also said the tour has not been turned down yet.

Lokuge had earlier said that he would hold discussions with the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the issue.

Last Friday, Ranatunga had confirmed the island cricket team’s tour to Pakistan saying the country had a duty as a friendly neighbour to Pakistan when it was needed most.

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