Security in Pakistan

'Australia A tour was in doubt' - PCB

Cricinfo staff

October 1, 2005

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) admitted that the Australian A team's tour to Pakistan, which ended last week, was at one point under threat after two bomb blasts in Lahore.

Shaharyar Khan, chairman PCB, told journalists at a press function in Lahore, "The PCB moved very carefully to persuade the Australians to continue their tour because such bomb blasts are minor incidents and there is nothing serious."

The chairman revealed that the Australians expressed considerable concern over the bomb blasts as they were under the impression that Lahore was among the safest cities in Pakistan.

He added, however, that their security was not in doubt and that the board would intensify their security arrangements further. Shaharyar also reiterated that no concerns had been raised by the England and Wales Cricket Board about security for their tour of Pakistan after the bomb blasts.

Shaharyar said, "I am going to attend the ICC meetings next month and will have bilateral meetings with English, Indian and Sri Lankan counterparts and I will try to satisfy the England board, if needed, to assure them of their safe stay in Pakistan."

The bomb blast occurred just before the three-match one-day series began and killed six people, injuring a further 30. Australia A eventually won the one-day series 2-1 but lost the two four-day match series 1-0.

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