Islamabad, Jan 6 : Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that the proposed tour of the Bangladesh cricket team in April 2012 will help revive international cricket in the country.
“I must appreciate Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Zaka Ashraf for his efforts to convince international teams to visit Pakistan and provide entertainment to cricket lovers,” The Express Tribune quoted Malik, as saying.
Malik said he would provide “box security” to the Bangladesh team including bulletproof and bombproof buses, which would be cordoned by four similar vehicles.
“There would be zero tolerance regarding the security for both teams, as the government desires foreign teams should visit Pakistan. The situation has improved and we will take all measures to improve it further,” Malik said.
He added that the Pakistan Government has ordered the creation of new post of a Pakistan Cricket Board ‘s Liaison Officer to ensure security.
Malik pointed out that recent tours by the Chinese hockey team and the Indian blind cricket team had passed off peacefully without any untoward incident.
PCB Chairperson Zaka Ashraf had earlier assured foolproof security arrangements to the Bangladesh Cricket Board officials for the April tour.
International teams have been reluctant to visit Pakistan since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team bus in Lahore.
© ANI
