BCCI announces schedule for Pakistan tour

Indian board to plan strict security measures; series to kick off in Bangalore.

KARACHI: After getting approval from the Indian home ministry, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the schedule of the much-anticipated, but brief, limited-overs series against Pakistan.

According to the schedule, the Pakistan team will reach Bangalore on December 22 ahead of a 16-day tour that includes two Twenty20s and three ODIs.

Bangalore will play host to the opening Twenty20 on December 25 before the archrivals move to Ahmedabad for the second game on December 27.

The three-match ODI series will begin with the first encounter in Chennai followed by the Kolkata clash before the tour concludes in the Indian capital New Delhi. The team is scheduled to return on January 7.

Earlier, the BCCI got the go-ahead to host Pakistan, a series which is receiving flak from various quarters in India including the right-wing hindu party that termed the tour as ‘national shame’, according to media reports in the country.

The two teams have not contested a bilateral series since Pakistan’s tour of India in 2007 due to strained relations between the two countries in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Stringent security planned for series  

Meanwhile, owing to reservations from different political parties, the BCCI is planning strict security arrangements to ensure safety for teams and spectators.

A large number of fans from Pakistan are expected to attend the eagerly-awaited series, which is also likely to be attended by several dignitaries.

According to media reports, the Indian board has planned three levels of security which includes paramilitary, local police and private guards.

The ‘specially-trained’ private guards will be deployed inside the stadium premises, while local police officials will be assigned at the entrance. The paramilitary will be posted at different points beside the thoroughfares of the stadium.

Series breakthrough for revival: Zaka

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf, while welcoming the development, said the series will help bring people of the two countries closer.

He said the revival of cricketing ties was the need of the hour. “I’ve worked hard to revive cricket,” Ashraf told reporters in Lahore. “The series is great news for fans of both countries.”

Meanwhile, Ashraf dismissed speculations of  a change in captaincy, saying Misbahul Haq and Mohammad Hafeez will be retained as skippers.

‘There is no need for a change,” he said while ending the impression that Misbah could be removed as ODI skipper.

He added that former fast-bowler Ataur Rehman, who was appointed Fata coach, was given clearance by the PCB after he was given a green signal by the court.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2^nd, 2012.