Bangladesh okay Pakistan security
Bangladeshi football chiefs say security arrangements for away games in Pakistan 'satisfactory'.
LAHORE:
Bangladeshi football chiefs said security arrangements for their game away at Pakistan in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday were "satisfactory".
Bangladesh, who won the first leg in Dhaka 3-0 Wednesday, had been concerned about safety in Pakistan, where no major international sporting event has taken place since an attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team bus in 2009.
Bangladesh had requested FIFA relocate the match on security grounds, but that was rejected after Pakistan gave assurances.
Sunday's second leg will be played at Punjab football stadium, barely a mile away from where the Sri Lankan team was attacked on their way to play a Test match.
"We had some reservations on security prior to coming here, but the arrangements made by Pakistani authorities are satisfactory," Bangladesh delegate Fazlur Rehman told reporters Saturday.
Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) secretary Ahmed Yar Khan Lodhi said he had no concerns.
"We have provided the best possible security for the visiting team, around their hotel and in the stadium, so we hope there will be no worries on that front," said Lodhi.
The 2009 attack in the city killed eight people and left seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach injured, and made Pakistan a virtual no-go for international sports teams.
Bangladeshi football chiefs said security arrangements for their game away at Pakistan in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday were "satisfactory".
Bangladesh, who won the first leg in Dhaka 3-0 Wednesday, had been concerned about safety in Pakistan, where no major international sporting event has taken place since an attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team bus in 2009.
Bangladesh had requested FIFA relocate the match on security grounds, but that was rejected after Pakistan gave assurances.
Sunday's second leg will be played at Punjab football stadium, barely a mile away from where the Sri Lankan team was attacked on their way to play a Test match.
"We had some reservations on security prior to coming here, but the arrangements made by Pakistani authorities are satisfactory," Bangladesh delegate Fazlur Rehman told reporters Saturday.
Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) secretary Ahmed Yar Khan Lodhi said he had no concerns.
"We have provided the best possible security for the visiting team, around their hotel and in the stadium, so we hope there will be no worries on that front," said Lodhi.
The 2009 attack in the city killed eight people and left seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach injured, and made Pakistan a virtual no-go for international sports teams.