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AGENCIES
KARACHI, JAN 20: Pakistani cricketers are preparing to embark on a high-profile tour of India despite security concerns triggered by threats and demonstrations by the Shiv Sena party.
``The common cause for us is to revive the Pakistan-India series and for that both the governments have mutually decided cricket should go on,'' Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said.
The Pakistan team will leave Lahore tomorrow for New Delhi, cricket officials said.
Pakistan's first Test tour across the border in 12 years was put in jeopardy after Shiv Sena activists dug up the pitch in New Delhi earlier this month. On Monday they ransacked the Indian cricket board headquarters in Mumbai.
``We are in a positive frame of mind and are going as ambassadors of goodwill. I have repeatedly said a handful of people are against Pakistan-India ties but I hope cricket will be the ultimate winner,'' Akram said.
Pakistan will play two Tests, besides taking part in a limited overs triangular tournament also involving Sri Lanka.
ThePCB on Monday appointed former Pakistan foreign secretary Shahryar Khan as the manager of the team. ``Because of the tour being very sensitive, we felt we needed someone like him. He's a very seasoned diplomat, highly regarded on both sides of the border,'' PCB chairman Khalid Mahmood said from Lahore.
A former High Commissioner in London, Shahryar Khan has served as foreign secretary in several governments.
Akram however did not hide lingering fears. ``I have told the boys to forget all that happened and just concentrate on the game but it will be difficult. I can't say what is in store for us in India but let's hope all would end well,'' he said.
Several past Test stars have called for cancelling the tour and many consider it a high-risk venture.
``When we are so much unwelcome there, where is the need to go ahead with the tour? I can't understand what they will achieve,'' said former chief selector Hasib Ehsan.
Pakistan coach Javed Miandad was among those favouring a postponement of the tourafter the Delhi pitch vandalism.
``We are going there after our government ordered us and I hope the tour will help foster goodwill among the peoples of the two countries,'' Miandad said.
``The peoples in Pakistan and India have many things in common, so I hope they will realise that. Cricket is for people and not for miscreants,'' Miandad said, voicing the hope that the series would lead to improved ties.
``This is not the last time we are playing, now after this series they will come and I hope it will go on without break,'' he said.
The Pakistan captain and coach were confident the team would pull off a series win like Pakistan did in 1986-87 beating India 1-0 in the five match series.
``I am confident we will again beat India in India and having the confidence in my players I am saying this, while fully knowing it is hard to beat them in their den,'' Akram said.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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