Decision on Pakistan tour to India expected on Monday (17 January 1999)

17 January 1999

Decision on Pakistan tour to India expected on Monday

AFP

KARACHI, Jan 17 (AFP) - A final decision on the future of Pakistan's cricket tour of India is likely to be made at the beginning of the week, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Khalid Mahmood said Sunday.

"We are all set to make the tour and we are fully prepared with all the visa formalities under process," Mahmood told AFP, adding that a decision was expected Monday.

But he added that, "taking into account the sensitive issue of security, our government is making its assessments under the assurances given by Pakistan High Commissioner in India.

"It is now in the hands of Pakistan government, but the keen interest shown by Indian government in the tour is a very positive sign."

Mahmood said positive assessments made by the Pakistan High Commissioner and a board envoy, Saeed Ahmed Rafi, who was due to return from India later Sunday, will clear the way for the tour.

Rafi, an army brigadier and a security specialist, visited venues where Pakistan will play three Tests and gave his approval for the tour to proceed.

The PCB chairman, however, has shown concern over continuous threats by Hindu militants.

"Although we have confidence in the Indian government's assurances, we cannot ignore the increasing preparations of those who are bent upon destroying the tour. Now they are talking of a suicide squad, and we must take all things into consideration," Mahmood said.

Source :: AFP