Pakistan team all set for India despite security fears (20 January 1999)

20 January 1999

Pakistan team all set for India despite security fears

Shahid A Hashmi

KARACHI, Jan 20 (AFP) - Pakistani cricketers are preparing to embark on a high-profile tour of India despite security concerns triggered by threats and demonstrations of anger by Hindu fanatics.

"The common cause for us is to revive the Pakistan-India series and for that both the governments have mutually decided cricket should go on," Pakistan captain Wasim Akram told AFP.

The Pakistan team will leave Lahore Thursday for New Delhi, cricket officials said.

Pakistan's first Test tour across the border in 12 years was put in jeopardy after Hindu militants dug up the pitch in New Delhi earlier this month. On Monday they ransacked the Indian cricket board headquarters in Bombay.

"We are in a positive frame of mind and are going as ambassadors of goodwill. I have repeatedly said a handful of people are against Pakistan-India ties but I hope cricket will be the ultimate winner," Wasim said.

Pakistan will play two Tests, besides taking part in a limited overs three-nation tournament also involving Sri Lanka.

Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has sought to assure adequate security.

The authorities have reportedly beefed up arrangements after the display of violence by supporters of the Hindu militant Shiv Sena party which has vowed to disrupt the tour in protest over Pakistan's backing for Moslem separatists in Kashmir.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent a special security envoy to assess the situation and he gave the green light for the tour after assurances from the Pakistani ambassador and Indian authorities.

The PCB Monday appointed former Pakistani foreign secretary Shahryar Khan as the manager of the team. Board officials said he was chosen because of the cirumstances surrounding the tour.

Captain Wasim however did not hide lingering fears.

"I have told the boys to forget all that happened and just concentrate on the game but it will be difficult. I can't say what is in store for us in India but let's hope all would end well," he said.

Several past Test stars have called for cancelling the tour and many consider it a high-risk venture.

"When we are so much unwelcome there, where is the need to go ahead with the tour? I can't understand what they will achieve," said former chief selector Hasib Ehsan.

Pakistan coach Javed Miandad was among those favouring a postponment of the tour after the Delhi pitch vandalism.

"We are going there after our government ordered us and I hope the tour will help foster goodwill among the peoples of the two countries," Miandad said.

"The peoples in Pakistan and India have many things in common, so I hope they will realise that. Cricket is for people and not for miscreants," Miandad said, voicing the hope that the series would lead to improved ties.

"This is not the last time we are playing, now after this series they will come and I hope it will go on without break," he said.

The Pakistan captain and coach were confident the team would pull off a series win like Pakistan did in 1986-87 beating India 1-0 in the five match series.

"I am confident we will again beat India in India and having the confidence in my players I am saying this, while fully knowing it is hard to beat them in their den," Wasim said.

Source :: AFP