Been there, done that, now do it again

MANINDER SINGH (1989):

Since everything is moving in the right direction and both governments are trying to make things better, I see no harm in India touring Pakistan. But it’s up to individual players how they feel about travelling to our neighbouring country.

I am confident nobody would think of disturbing a cricket match. Even in 1989, the stray incidents of violence took place not because they wanted to demonstrate against India, but some political party in Pakistan wanted to get some mileage out of it

SANJAY MANJREKAR (1989):

The Indians are rightly concerned but I am sure the issues will be addressed soon. A three-week lay off for any international cricketer is adequate. About the hospitality in Pakistan, it would be unprecedented.

SANDEEP PATIL (1982-3, 1984-5):

We should look at the positives and I’m sure Saurav and John (Wright) would be doing this. Security concerns are best left to the BCCI. These are different times but I still feel with top-class security being promised and a BCCI delegation overseeing the issue, the Indians need not worry.

I thoroughly enjoyed the tours and my century during the last Test at Faisalabad (’84) is one of my most cherished memories.

DILIP VENGSARKAR (1978-9, 1982-3, 1984-5):

The government has cleared the tour, the BCCI is taking all steps, what more can be done? The tours have always been tough and a lot of emotions and hype have been a part.

But the Indian players are physically and mentally tired. Australia is draining. Tight games, long distances. Then again, for a professional cricketer, three weeks of rest should suffice.

MOHINDER AMARNATH (1978-9, 1982-3,

1984-5): Touring Pakistan is not easy as emotions run high. But I don’t think security should be as big a concern as it’s being made out to be.

But I still feel it’s too early. What’s the hurry? The board could have waited. The Indians are coming back from a hard tour and they deserve some rest.

VIVEK RAZDAN (1989):

Ganguly’s right about the security concern. Players have to be sure about their own security if they have to perform well on the field. The players’ concern is justified because of recent bomb attacks on a hotel where the New Zealand team stayed in Pakistan. But I guess a beginning has to be made. I’m sure the authorities would take extra care with players’ safety.

In 1989, there were restrictions on the players’ movements. We weren’t allowed to go to shopping malls, etc.

SURENDER KHANNA (India A manager, 1998-99): They’ll have some anxiety about security; fear is not the right word. But Once cricket starts, things will calm down, other concerns will be forgotten. Cricket is one game which has the ability to bind people of the two countries together. Indian teams had visited Pakistan when political differences were at their peak. Things have calmed down and the two nations are making progress to find a solution. This is the right time for an Indian cricket team to visit.

— S. Santhanam & Vinay Nayudu