Akram, Moin unconcerned but Miandad is worried (8 January 1999)

8 January 1999

Akram, Moin unconcerned but Miandad is worried

By Our Sports Reporter

KARACHI, Jan 7: Pakistan captain Wasim Akram and his deputy Moin Khan on Thursday felt the India tour should take place despite security concerns but Javed Miandad said the visit should be temporarily postponed.

"Of course, I am worried with the latest developments. But I strongly feel that the tour must take place because I feel that it is just more than a tour," Akram said late Thursday evening.

"I am not worried at all," Moin Khan remarked. "We will be going as Pakistan cricketers and the security responsibility lies on the shoulders of the Indians."

But Miandad said: "If the Indians are confident of providing best security to us, why matches are not being played at Mumbai? That means that they are not very sure of themselves."

However, Akram believed that the incident has brought the team under more pressure. "Before the start of the tour, we are under pressure because I feel that unless the players have assurances of their security, they can't deliver the goods.

"Unfortunately, this episode has done no good to the confidence of the players because they would be carrying it in the back of their minds all the time they are in India."

Miandad said the players had been coming to him to inquire about what steps were being taken. "They are very concerned about their security.

"I think the tour should be called off temporarily. If at all the matches are to be played, I would suggest that one-day games should be played so that we don't stay at one station for more than a day. In addition to this, with the World Cup only four months away, we just can't afford to get any of our players injured.

"I would recommend that more one-day matches are played which can benefit both the teams," Miandad added.

Akram said when he toured India for a Test tour 11 years ago, the atmosphere was very good. "It was a very pleasant tour both on and off the field."

"But despite everything, I strongly believe that the tour should take place as it would improve the relations between the two countries. However, we have to follow the instructions of the cricket board."

Moin Khan observed that he had talked to some of the players who still think that the tour should not be cancelled. "The cricketers are very keen to go to India, show the Indians their playing skills and earn their appreciation.

"It is just one faction which doesn't want us to go there. I am sure the rest of the country is as eagerly waiting for us as much as our compatriots wanting us to perform there," the wicket-keeper said.

Moin admitted that after the Shiv Sena's threats, it would be the families of the players who would be more concerned. "When we will land there, all we will be thinking of cricket and nothing else."

Source :: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)