News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp
Home  » Sports » India says no decision yet on Pakistan tour

India says no decision yet on Pakistan tour

November 30, 2008 20:08 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

The Indian government is yet to decide whether to allow the national cricket team to tour Pakistan, amid serious doubts following the attacks in Mumbai, a government spokesman said on Sunday.

"Since the tour is in January there is still some time, we are discussing the issue," foreign ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash told Reuters.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sought permission to tour amid security concerns over playing in that country.

The three-day rampage which killed nearly 200 people in Mumbai have dimmed hopes after the Indian government said it had proof of a Pakistani link, straining political ties between the south Asian neighbours.

Indian media quoted unnamed cricket officials on Sunday as saying the tour appears doubtful. BCCI secretary N Srinivasan refused to comment.

There have also been reports that some England players are reluctant to return to India later this week to play a two-Test series.

"I would not, if somebody felt strongly, force their arm," England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) managing director Hugh Morris said on Saturday.

England called off the last two games of a one-day series to return home following the attacks, with the two boards agreeing to go ahead with the tests.

The Pakistan tour would depend on a security assessment, Prakash said.

"Before any tour is undertaken an advance team goes and carries out an assessment. The team has not gone.

"We will wait for the team's visit and its report on return before deciding anything."

The Indian team did not go on a full tour of Pakistan for nearly 15 years until 2004 due to political tensions.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has already raised concerns the attacks could scupper the series.

India are due to play three Tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20 international in the January 13 to February 19 tour.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

India In Australia 2024-2025