No security concerns in Pakistan: Whatmore

LAHORE: Pakistan's Australian cricket coach Dav Whatmore Monday voiced disappointment at Bangladesh postponing their tour, saying he had felt no security concerns during his two months in the country.
Last week Bangladesh agreed to visit Pakistan for a one-day match and a Twenty20 international but the tour was delayed on Thursday by a Dhaka high court ruling over security fears.Pakistan had hoped the short tour would help revive international cricket in the country, suspended in the wake of deadly terror attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009."Like everyone else in Pakistan, I am also disappointed (with the postponement of the series)," Whatmore said. "We were close to choosing the team but now Bangladesh not coming everything is finished which is a bit disappointing."Whatmore, 57, played seven Tests for Australia and as coach guided Sri Lanka to their famous victory in the 1996 World Cup."From my personal view, having (been) born in Sri Lanka and lived through the civil war there, and now staying in Lahore I have faced no security problems," he said.He also coached Bangladesh to the Super Six Stages of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies."I have not seen very many areas in Lahore and if I know some other areas I would like to go there, but I have faced no problems here," he said.Under Whatmore, Pakistan last month won the Asia Cup, also involving world champions India."It is very difficult for a nation so rich of cricket history to keep the game going without being able to host international teams," said Whatmore of Pakistan, who have been forced to play their "home" series on neutral venues, mostly in United Arab Emirates, since the Lahore attack.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) voiced hope on Monday that its Bangladeshi equivalent, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) would appeal against the court order."PCB is hopeful that BCB will leave no stones unturned to get the stay order vacated," said a statement from the Pakistan board.PCB said it has asked the BCB to send copies of the court orders and any appeal documents that are lodged

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Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan cancelled: PCB

LAHORE: Bangladesh cricket team’s tour of Pakistan has been cancelled. According to the Pakistan Cricket Boards (PCB) chief operating officer, Bangladesh and informed the PCB of its decision to not tour Pakistan.

PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf also expressed his disappointment over the stay order issued by the Dhaka High Court.

“The boards of both countries should have resolved the matter on their own,” Ashraf said.

The Dhaka High Court on Thursday had ordered the national team's upcoming tour of Pakistan to be postponed for at least four weeks due to security fears.

Bangladesh were set to play a 50-over game and a Twenty20 international on April 29 and 30 in Lahore, the first international cricket matches in the country following the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team’s bus.

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Bangladesh court stops cricket team's tour of Pakistan

DHAKA: The Bangladesh high court on Thursday ordered the national team's upcoming tour of Pakistan to be postponed for at least four weeks due to security fears.

Bangladesh were set to play a 50-over game and a Twenty20 international on April 29 and 30 in Lahore, the first international cricket matches in the troubled country for three years.

But Additional Attorney General M.K. Rahman told AFP that the high court in Dhaka had ordered Bangladesh's cricket authorities to explain why the tour was scheduled to go ahead despite concerns over the team's safety.

"It asked the cricket board to explain in the next four weeks. During the four weeks, the court imposed an injunction on the cricket team's tour to Pakistan," he said.

Bangladesh would be the first team to visit Pakistan since a militant attack on the Sri Lankan team bus during the Lahore Test in 2009, when eight people died and seven visiting players and an assistant coach were injured.

The high court gave the order following a petition by a lawyer and a university teacher.

Pakistani political leaders, players and fans had welcomed the planned tour, but in Bangladesh concern over the visit has grown since it was announced on Sunday.

"We told the court that the Pakistan tour would risk the lives of our cricketers," Hassan Azim, lawyer for the two petitioners, told AFP.

"Pakistan is not a safe place for an international sports event. No other international teams are travelling to Pakistan. Why should Bangladesh go? The decision was imposed on the cricketers."

Anti-Pakistan feelings still run strong in Bangladesh, which was part of Pakistan until 1971 when it won independence in a bloody nine-month war in which Dhaka says an estimated three million people lost their lives.

Bangladesh's coach Stuart Law, from Australia, this week expressed fears about the team's schedule.

"It's got to be made sure by the two associating boards that everyone is 100 percent safe to go," he said. "I have spent time with the players and everyone is a bit concerned."

Law declined to confirm if he would go on the tour, while Bangladesh's cricket authorities said they were seeking clearance from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Foreign teams shunned Pakistan after the 2009 attacks, forcing them to play their home series on neutral venues, mostly in the United Arab Emirates.

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Worcestershire stumped over Ajmal return

WORCESTER: Worcestershire's hope of seeing Saeed Ajmal return for a second spell with the English county for their domestic Twenty20 campaign have been dashed by the Pakistan spinner's international commitments.

The Midlands club, whose other overseas player is Australia batsman Phil Hughes, had hoped to have Ajmal, England's tormentor-in-chief during Pakistan's recent 3-0 Test series win in the United Arab Emirates, back at New Road.

However, the confirmation of Pakistan's tour of Sri Lanka has left the club looking for another overseas player.

"Following the recent announcement that Pakistan's tour of Sri Lanka will proceed, Saeed Ajmal will be unavailable for Worcestershire's T20 campaign," the county said in a statement Thursday.

"Ajmal had signed a contract to appear in Worcestershire CCC's T20 run at a time when the Pakistan tour to Sri Lanka was not agreed in the ICC schedule.

"But it is now understood that it is likely to take place between late May and mid-July 2012, ruling Ajmal out of the county's T20 campaign."

Worcestershire director of cricket, Steve Rhodes, said: "Losing a player of Saeed's quality is a big disappointment.

"However, we are extremely active in finding a replacement for the Twenty20," the former England wicketkeeper added.

Ajmal took 24 wickets during Pakistan's Test rout of England.

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Bangladesh tour will help revive cricket: PCB chief

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Zaka Ashraf Wednesday said Bangladesh's short tour will help revive the suspended sport in his country.

Bangladesh on Sunday confirmed it will play a one-day and a Twenty20 match in Lahore this month, matches which will reintroduce international cricket to Pakistan following its suspension in the wake of 2009 attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus.

"I am sure the Bangladesh tour will break the ice, and the breakthrough achieved during President Asif Ali Zardari's tour to India will also help in the revival of Indo-Pak cricket," Ashraf told a press conference.

Last week Zardari reportedly requested Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh to send his national team to Pakistan. Singh promised to talk to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the matter.

Ashraf said he wants to revive cricket ties with India, stalled in the wake of 2008 terrorists attacks on Mumbai.

"I had a good meeting with BCCI president (Narayanan) Srinivasan and this time he was more positive on the revival of the ties," said Ashraf of his talk on the sidelines of International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in Dubai.

"I thank the ICC Board for the way they appreciated the revival of cricket and approved of it."

"The situation is not like it was in 2009. Since cricket was suspended in Pakistan our grounds were left deserted but things have improved and I hope more teams will come after the Bangladesh team's tour."

Ashraf said convincing Bangladesh to tour was a victory for fans of the game.

"Cricket is a passion in Pakistan and convincing Bangladesh to tour is a victory for all of us and now even a single policeman will do his best to give the visitors full security," he said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board said a comprehensive security plan will be approved by the federal government and will be forwarded to the ICC shortly.

The Bangladesh team is due to arrive on April 27. They play a 50-over game on April 29 and a Twenty20 the following day.

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Pakistan prepares for cricket revival

LAHORE: Work is being sped up to get Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium ready for the visit of Bangladesh later this month, cricket officials say  Pakistan's first home international in three years.

Foreign teams have shunned Pakistan since the deadly militant attack on the Sri Lankan team bus during the third Test in Lahore in March 2009, but on Sunday Bangladesh agreed to a two-match tour.

"The preparation work is fast and we are ready to host Bangladesh," said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman Nadeem Sarwar. "We have had a physical inspection of the Stadium today and are gearing up for Bangladesh matches."

Work has begun to clean the stands and replace broken seating, but with the security situation still volatile, measures to ensure player safety have taken precedence.

PCB security manager Waseem Shahid said a complete plan for the arrangements will be submitted to the government for their approval.

"We will send a security plan to the federal government and as per the ICC (International Cricket Council) standards will put in place the best possible arrangements for the Bangladesh team," said Shahid.

When Bangladesh and Pakistan line up for their 50-over match at the Gaddafi Stadium on April 29, it will be the end of a 37-month gap in international cricket in Pakistan.

Groundsman Haji Bashir, who has worked at the stadium since its inception 53 years ago, said he was thrilled at Bangladesh's visit.

"I am delighted at the prospect of preparing pitches for the matches and it's great news for the nation that we will host international games again," the 73-year-old said.

The Gaddafi Stadium, named after the former Libyan leader in 1974 -- has been the focus of the cricketing world on numerous occasions.

It was here that Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga lifted the trophy after their shock World Cup triumph in 1996, sparking wild celebrations on the island.

But 13 years later, the Sri Lankan cricketers had to be airlifted in a helicopter after the horrifying terror attacks.

Last year, the Pakistan government resisted calls from the world community to change the name of the Stadium after the autocratic rule of Libya's leader ended in a bloody revolution.

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Bangladesh coach concerned over Pakistan tour

DHAKA: Bangladesh cricket coach Stuart Law has expressed fears about the team's scheduled tour to troubled Pakistan, where international cricket has been suspended for three years.

Bangladesh are set to be the first team to visit Pakistan since a militant attack on the Sri Lankan team bus during the Lahore Test in 2009, when eight people died and seven visiting players and an assistant coach were injured.

"It's got to be made sure by the two associating boards that everyone is 100 percent safe to go," he said in comments reported in Tuesday's Dhaka-based New Age newspaper.

"I cannot speak on behalf of the players. I have spent time with the players and everyone is a bit concerned. Not just Bangladesh, but the other teams as well," he said.

"The first initial response from the players around the world is: 'I don't want to go.'"

Bangladesh will play one 50-over game and a Twenty20 international on April 29 and 30 in Lahore, a move hailed by Pakistani political leaders, players and fans.

But newspapers in Bangladesh criticised Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief Mustafa Kamal for agreeing to the tour.

Law, from Australia, declined to confirm if he would go on the tour, while Bangladesh's cricket authorities said they were seeking clearance from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Foreign teams shunned Pakistan after the 2009 attacks, forcing them to play their home series on neutral venues, mostly in the United Arab Emirates. (

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Kamran set for return to Pakistan team

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's troubled wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal could finally make a comeback to the national ODI and Twenty20 team later this month in a home series against Bangladesh. Sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) were quoted as saying on Monday that Kamran, who has been out of favour since the 2011 World Cup, was only allowed to train with the Pakistan team at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore last week after the board gave clearance. “PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf has finally cleared Kamran to be considered for national selection. That is why he is now training with the Pakistani players at the NCA,” a source said. The 30-year-old – who has played 53 Tests, 137 one-day internationals and 38 Twenty20 internationals - has not been cleared by the board to be considered for selection to the national team since after the World Cup.

While he was dropped after the World Cup because of poor form, the PCB also had suspicions about his integrity after the spot-fixing scandal saw three Pakistan players – Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir – first banned and then jailed for their role in it. “Kamran has now also been cleared on the integrity form, and given that he has regularly been playing domestic cricket and performing pretty consistently, he is now in line to be considered for the one ODI and one Twenty20 against Bangladesh later this month in Lahore,” the source confirmed. The source said the move to get Kamran cleared and bring him back to the Pakistan team had begun when Pakistan were playing the one-day series against England in the UAE. “Even former coach Mohsin Khan, in a meeting with the PCB chairman and captain Misbahul Haq, had pleaded that the national team could still make a lot of use of the experience and skills of Kamran,” the source said. Kamran recently also played in the Bangladesh Premier League and performed well for the Sylhet team. He also captained the team in the last few matches.

End.

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Pakistan hails Bangladesh series

KARACHI: Delighted Pakistani cricket fans, players and politicians Monday welcomed Bangladesh's decision to tour the troubled country and end its three-year exile from hosting international matches.

Bangladesh on Sunday agreed to a short tour during which they will play one 50-over game and a Twenty20 international on April 29 and 30 in Lahore, a move hailed by former captain and current allrounder Shahid Afridi.

"It's a major breakthrough and a very good news for the whole nation, for Pakistan team and millions of fans who have been deprived of international game for the last three years," he said.

No international matches have been played in Pakistan since militants attacked the Sri Lankan team bus during the Lahore Test in March 2009, leaving eight people dead and seven visiting players and an assistant coach injured.

Foreign teams shunned Pakistan as a cricket venue after the attacks, forcing them to play their home series on neutral venues, mostly in the United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan's foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar praised efforts from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf to revive internationals.

"PCB's efforts have finally borne fruit and Bangladesh team's visit will help bring international cricket back to Pakistan and will motivate more teams to come to our country," Khar said.

Intikhab Alam, the PCB's director of international cricket and a former national coach and player, said the Bangladesh tour could open the way for other teams to follow.

"PCB in the leadership of (Zaka) Ashraf was endeavouring to bring cricket back in the country and the Bangladesh tour will be the beginning of a bigger thing in the future," Alam told.

But former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif sounded a note of caution.

"We must not leave any loopholes in security because we cannot afford a minor mistake or any lapse in arrangements," said Latif. "Other teams will also be motivated after Bangladesh tour but we have to make the best arrangements."

Interior minister Rehman Malik reiterated a promise to put in place stringent security measures for the Bangladesh team.

"We will leave no stone unturned and put in place the best possible security for the Bangladesh team as per our promise and make this tour an exemplary one so that other teams also tour us," said Malik.

Fans were ecstatic at the news.

"It will be great to watch international matches on our home ground," said Hameed Ali, a student in Lahore.

"I cannot forget the dreadful attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus and was due to watch that day's play.

"It's too early to say that Bangladesh's visit will help bring bigger teams, but let's keep our fingers crossed. I am waiting to get a ticket for the April 30 game."

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Bangladesh coach Law to step down in June

DHAKA: Australian Stuart Law will step down as the national cricket coach of Bangladesh in June due to family reasons, the country's cricket board (BCB) said on

Monday.

Law, who played one test and 54 one-day internationals for Australia, joined as Bangladesh's head coach in July last year on a two-year contract, replacing compatriot Jamie Siddons.

"It is a matter of great regret for us to inform you that our head coach Law has decided to resign from his post in June for family reason," BCB's media committee chairman Jalal Yunus told reporters.

The high point of Law's tenure came at the Asia Cup last month, where hosts Bangladesh defeated heavyweights India and Sri Lanka during the group stage before narrowly losing the final of the four-team tournament to Pakistan.

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Khar welcomes B’desh cricket team visit

LAHORE: Foreign Minister, Hina Rabbani Khar Sunday said that Bangladesh cricket team’s finally deciding to visit Pakistan was a heartening gesture, Geo News reported.

She was talking to media after chief-guesting the closing ceremony of a golf championship here at Royal Palm Golf & Country Club Lahore.

To a question, she said that sports diplomacy promotes people-to-people relations, which is very important.

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Bangladesh to tour Pakistan in April

LAHORE: Bangladesh will tour Pakistan later this month (April) marking the return of International cricket to Pakistan.
During the tour, Pakistan and Bangladesh will play one T20 and one ODI.
The ODI will be played on April 29 while the T20 is scheduled for April 30.

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