Tags:
Journalism of Courage
International cricket is set to return to strife-torn Pakistan after three years,with Bangladesh finally agreeing to tour the country,albeit for only an ODI and a Twenty20 match later this month. No team has toured Pakistan since the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus here in March 2009.
Six Sri Lankan players got injured in the attack which killed as many security men and two civilians. The ODI is scheduled for April 29 and the T20I for April 30. Both matches will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The Bangladesh delegation also visited Lahore and were shown a mock demonstration of how the teams would be escorted from hotel to the ground. But until this week,the PCB was still awaiting a response from the BCB,which has submitted its security report to the government for clearance of the tour.
That prompted Ashraf to say that future cricket ties with Bangladesh would depend on whether it agrees to the tour. The tour announcement comes even as the ICC is considering Kamals nomination for the vice-presidents post on the board. Kamal appeared to be the favourite to replace the outgoing Alan Isaac until Ashrafs warning.
The ICC has requested PCB to provide a comprehensive security plan for consideration. Thereafter,the ICCs Anti Corruption and Security Unit will commission a localised risk assessment to determine whether its officials and staff are appropriately protected before any further decision is taken.
