Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Mr Shaharyar M Khan had a cordial meeting with the Foreign Minister of India Mr Natwar Singh over breakfast at the latter's hotel suite. Mr Natwar Singh categorically stated that sports should not be politicised and that the question of venues should be decided between the two Boards. Mr Natwar Singh also stressed that the postponement of the tour was not an option.

After meeting Mr Natwar Singh, Mr Shaharyar Khan made a telephone call to Mr Jagmohan Dalmiya who came out of the BCCI's Working Committee Meeting to speak to the PCB Chairman. Mr Shaharyar Khan conveyed to him that on receiving BCCI's communication of 28 January regarding the venues PCB made a request for an alternative to Ahmadabad. PCB also conveyed to BCCI that Pakistan would be willing to play in Mumbai as a possible Test venue. PCB was expecting BCCI to come up with a counter proposal but no response has been received from them so far.

Media reports emanating from India as well as from Pakistan about venues are purely speculative. So was the news item that Pakistan would be willing to play a one-day match at Ahmedabad. PCB was not in a position to comment on the choice of venues unless and until it receives a concrete counter proposal from BCCI with regard to Pakistan's reservations on Ahmedabad as a venue.

Abbas Zaidi
Director Board Operations

(Article: Copyright © 2005 Pakistan Cricket Board)