India’s tour of Pakistan in the hands of both Govt: PCB

He said that the Mumbai terror attack was a catastrophic incident and the loss of innocent lives was very sad. “But if India does decide to tour Pakistan I think it will send out a clear message to these terrorists that they can’t stop the people of both countries from leading normal lives,” he said.

“After the Mumbai attacks there is now greater uncertainty whether the tour would be held at all. Now it is entirely what the governments decide,” he admitted.

But he made it clear that Pakistan would still try to have India play in Pakistan but if this was not possible even at government to government level then the option of playing at neutral venues would be utilised.

“Despite what has happened we will seek advice from our government as well as we would like this series to be played as Pakistan cricket badly needs to play international matches,” he said.

Butt said Pakistan couldn’t afford to go without international cricket for long and needed to play to avoid isolation in the international community.

India is due to play three tests, five one-day internationals and a twenty20 game on their tour lasting nearly 46 days.

The Indian board has said that it would tour only if government agrees. Butt said there was no doubt the Mumbai attacks were bad for cricket and sports in general.

“The scenario is different now with cricketing activities being postponed in India but we are hoping England will go ahead and play the Tests in India and there would be new dates for the Champions League. That would mean cricketing activities will resume in the subcontinent,” he said.