Cricinfo







Pakistan Cricket Board maintains Indian tour is on

AFP
16 January 1999



KARACHI, Jan 16 (AFP) - Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief executive Majid Khan said Saturday the tour to India still was on, but official confirmation would not be given until the return of a special envoy from New Delhi.

A security specialist, Brigadier Saeed Ahmed Rafi, toured India to assess security arrangements for Pakistan team's planned visit following renewed threats from Hindu militants to scuttle the tour after vandalism of the New Delhi's stadium pitch last week.

He was to return later Saturday and, ``after consultation with the government, we will make an official announcement,'' Majid told AFP.

Pakistan are to play two Tests, a limited-overs one-day triangular tournament also involving Sri Lanka, and the first-ever Test of the Asian Test championship during their first tour to India in 12 years.

PCB chairman Khalid Mahmood said Thursday the fate of the tour went beyond his board's powers and would be decided by the government.

Chances for the tour brightened Friday when Pakistan High Commissioner Ashraf Jahangir Qazi said he was sure the tour would proceed in view of assurances given at the highest level by the Indian government.

PCB sources told AFP visa applications had been submitted for the 16 players and four officials.



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