Security team in Pakistan


Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik (3rd from L), flanked by PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf (L) and Bangladesh Cricket Board president AHM Mustafa Kamal, speaks to the media in Islamabad yesterday.Photo: AFP

A nine-member security team from Bangladesh yesterday began a visit of Pakistan to assess security for a proposed cricket tour next month.
Considered an icebreaker for Pakistan's cricketing fortunes as they haven't hosted an international series for three years, it is still at a very preliminary stage as there is concern among the players, media and public about touring the country.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) said it will only assess the situation after the tour is approved to send its umpires and officials.
In fact, even before the March 2009 attacks on Sri Lanka cricket team, many foreign teams steered clear of Pakistan over security fears accompanying a wave of Taliban and al-Qaeda-linked attacks that escalated significantly in 2007. Other sports such as field hockey, tennis and squash have also suffered as Pakistan continues to be a "no go" area for international sportsmen.
The delegation held talks with Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik and is to visit facilities in Lahore and Karachi, before returning here tomorrow to submit a report for approval to the government.
At a press conference held at the interior ministry in Islamabad yesterday alongside Malik and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Zaka Ashraf, BCB president AHM Mustafa Kamal said he would help Pakistan get back into hosting international cricket.
"We will work hand in hand to convince our other colleagues there in the ICC [International Cricket Council] to bring back cricket to Pakistan at the earliest," he told reporters. "Now I am here to make a commitment that both Mr. Zaka [Ashraf] and I will work together to make things right at the ICC level. I am here with a positive frame of mind and I want us to be in a position to convince our ICC board members, so that they also agree to play in Pakistan as early as possible."
Pakistan's interior minister promised full security and cooperation with Bangladesh's requirements. "From landing to departure and while staying in a hotel, or any movement within the country and of course the stadiums, they will all stand fully protected," Malik told the news conference.
The PCB chairman hailed the visit as a "great moment for the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan cricket lovers".
"I am sure that they will be fully satisfied with the security plans being given by the ministry, by the provinces of Sindh and Punjab," he added.
Punjab police later briefed the delegation on the possible security arrangements when the delegation later visited Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The visit coincidences with the exact day the Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked on way to the stadium in Lahore three years ago. On March 3, 2009 gunmen ambushed the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, killing eight Pakistanis and wounding seven visiting players and their assistant coach.
The attack suspended international cricket in the country, stripped Pakistan of its 2011 World Cup hosting rights and forced it to play home series at neutral venues in England, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.

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