ICC to assess security as Pakistan looks to host Bangladesh at home

International cricket has been suspended in Pakistan since terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan team bus in March 2009, killing eight people and injuring seven visiting players and their assistant coach in Lahore. PHOTO: AFP/ FILE

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council will carry out a proper assessment of security in Pakistan before deciding on sending match officials for a proposed tour by Bangladesh, an official said Wednesday.

International cricket has been suspended in Pakistan since terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan team bus in March 2009, killing eight people and injuring seven visiting players and their assistant coach in Lahore.

The attacks also injured reserve umpire Ahsan Raza of Pakistan and horrified match referee Chris Broad of England and Australian match umpires Simon Taufel and Steve Davis.

The incident forced Pakistan to play its home series at neutral venues, such as the UAE where the team is currently playing England.

Pakistan have invited Bangladesh for a three-match one-day series in April this year in their bid to revive international cricket at home.

The Bangladesh government will send a delegation to Pakistan in mid-February to assess security in the country before clearing the tour.

The ICC had formed a Task Team to revive cricket in Pakistan in 2009.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said the cricket governing body will carry out their own assessment before sending match umpires and referees for the Bangladesh series, once it is cleared. “Safety and security is a serious issue,” said Lorgat in reply to a question on whether the ICC will send officials to Pakistan.

“There are grave responsibilities on any of us who send teams or match officials (to Pakistan) and we need to do a proper assessment before we come to any conclusion about touring Pakistan.”

Lorgat said that Wednesday’s board meeting in Dubai did not discuss the possibilities of international cricket returning to Pakistan.

“The board did not discuss international cricket returning to Pakistan. As you all know they are presently engaged with a potential tour from Bangladesh and I think we need to see what unfolds before we get into that sort of discussion.”