Cricket

'No final decision on Pakistan tour'

Bangladesh yet to confirm if they will break Pakistan's cricketing exile with first Tour since 2009 attacks.
Last Modified: 22 Dec 2012 17:18
Bangladesh would become the first team to play in Pakistan since gunmen opened fire on the Sri Lankan team bus, killing eight people and injuring seven players in 2009 [EPA]

Bangladesh have not made a definitive decision to tour Pakistan next month, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hasan said on Saturday, contradicting statements by his counterpart Zaka Ashraf.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ashraf said on Friday that the BCB had confirmed a visit in January, which would make Bangladesh the first international side to set foot in Pakistan since armed militants attacked the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in 2009.

"They have given us a date, which is January 12. We will ask the ICC to complete their security assessment for match officials and the moment they finalise their stance, we can give our confirmation," Nazmul told the BBC's Bengali service.

Nazmul hopes the International Cricket Council (ICC) will give its go-ahead.

"We have made a commitment to travel to Pakistan. It is my understanding that it is even in the minutes of an ICC meeting that we will go," Nazmul added.

"Since we have made the commitment and if we think the security arrangement is satisfactory, I think we should go."

Bangladesh had agreed to send a team to Pakistan in April this year to play a Twenty20 match and one-day international in Lahore. However, the Dhaka High Court issued a restraining order stopping Bangladesh from playing in Pakistan due to security concerns.

Eight Pakistanis were killed and six Sri Lanka players wounded in 2009 when gunmen fired on their coach as they were being driven to the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore.

"We will take every possible precaution before going. In my opinion, we can reach a final decision in the next 2-4 days," Nazmul said.

287

Source:
Reuters
Topics in this article
People
Country
City
Organisation
Featured on Al Jazeera
Murder of Somali draws ire of foreign African nationals over rising xenophobic violence.
We look at the impact of increased sanctions against the Islamic Republic and ask who it really affects.
Tupamaros enforce rough justice in Venezuela's slums to support socialism, but critics say the group are violent thugs.
More than a decade ago the US launched a war against Afghanistan, but was it a justified battle?
Featured
News and analysis of 2013 presidential contest as Ahmadinejad finishes second term.
Two years since the start of the uprising, rebels and Assad's forces remain locked in conflict.
Extensive coverage of political unrest that spread from Istanbul to other areas.
PM Cameron vows to fight offshore finance, despite Britain's starring role.
Politician discusses his transformation from rock star to tourism minister.
join our mailing list