Cricket: Bangladesh delegation gives thumbs-up to Pakistan security

BCB president Kamal keen on sending team for bilateral series.

KARACHI: Hopes of international cricket’s revival in the country rose after the Bangladesh delegation expressed its satisfaction on security arrangements in Pakistan as it prepares to give its feedback ahead of a proposed series between the two countries.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Mustafa Kamal, head of the delegation that also included security officials, has given a thumbs-up to the arrangements after the members inspected facilities in Lahore, wrapping up their short trip of the country.

During their visit, they met government officials in Islamabad, including interior minister Rehman Malik and also assessed facilities and security plans in Karachi.

“We’re satisfied with the security arrangements,” Kamal, accompanied by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf, told reporters in Lahore. “We’d like to send our team to Pakistan because we want to see international cricket back in Pakistan soon.”

Pakistan have been unable to host matches after foreign teams’ refusal to tour the country in the aftermath of a gun attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore. However, the return of top-flight international cricket has now been given a boost after a thumbs-up by the delegation and Kamal said that Bangladesh will help Pakistan in this regard.

“Pakistan have helped us a lot in promoting cricket in our country. Our players have learnt a lot from their cricketers and their presence in the Bangladesh Premier League made the event a success.

“Now we would like to see the return of international cricket to Pakistan. “

The PCB will now await clearance from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh government before getting confirmation to host the series — the first international rubber after the gun attack in March  2009.

“We will write to the ICC to seek permission and we will try to convince them,” said the BCB president.

Ashraf hopes tour will go on

Meanwhile, the PCB chairman hoped for all-out support from the ICC for the proposed One-Day International series with Bangladesh in April.

“I had discussions with the ICC about the tour,” said Ashraf.  “The governing body supports Pakistan cricket and is keen on the revival of international events in the country,”

Meanwhile, a PCB official told The Express Tribune that the Bangladesh delegation, which will leave today, will brief its government before making a final decision on the tour. The decision is expected within a couple of weeks.

Whatmore takes over from Mohsin

The PCB officially announced Dav Whatmore as the new head coach and Julien Fountain as the fielding coach of the Pakistan team. The PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf confirmed that both have signed two-year contracts.

Whatmore has succeeded interim coach Mohsin Khan, while Fountain has replaced former Test cricketer Ijaz Ahmed.  Whatmore, the former Sri Lanka and Bangladesh coach, expressed confidence of a successful stint.

“Pakistan have a history of producing outstanding talent and I’m optimistic that I can produce good results,” said the former Australia cricketer.

Meanwhile, Intikhab Alam, who heads the coach-hunting committee, confirmed Aqib Javed’s resignation as bowling coach. The former fast-bowler will join the UAE team as head coach.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2012.