After insisting that the Australian security delegation's visit was a routine
affair, the Pakistan Cricket Board now admits that it would be hard to
convince the touring teams for playing here in the wake of Red Mosque operation
in Islamabad.
"It would not be wrong to say we are a bit worried. Because in the past we
have faced problems with touring teams on security issues and we know how difficult
it can become to convince them to come and play in our country," a PCB said
on condition of anonymity.
A four-member Australian security delegation will arrive in
Pakistan tomorrow -- the same day the Board announces a new coach for the team,
who is expected to be former Australian fast bowler Geoff Lawson.
The official conceded that if the security situation worsened
in the coming days then the Board might have to provide more guarantees and
assurances to the new coach and also the South African team, which has agreed
to play in Karachi and Peshawar.
"We know they monitor the situation in our country very
closely and already we know the Australian government has issued an advisory
to its citizens to avoid traveling to Pakistan.
"We might even face problems with South Africa if the situation
gets worse. But we are confident things will be under control in the next few
days," the official said.
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