India call off Pakistan tour
India's tour to Pakistan called off after Mumbai terrorist attacks
Also In The News
|
Portsmouth have confirmed they have received and accepted an "exceptional bid" from Real Madrid for highly-rated midfielder Lassana Diarra. |  |
Thursday, 18, Dec 2008 10:19
The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) have called off a scheduled tour of Pakistan next year in reaction to the Mumbai terrorist attacks last month.
Following an intervention from the Indian government the squad will not travel to Pakistan in January and February 2009, when they were due to play three Test matches, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match.
According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have already approached Sri Lanka over replacing India in a slightly truncated tour around the same time.
"We have received communication from the government that the tour to Pakistan is not feasible in the present circumstances," said Ratnakar Shetty, the BCCI's chief administrator and head of operations.
Indian officials have blamed Pakistani militants for the attacks on various targets in Mumbai in November, which resulted in several hostage situations at hotels across the city and the deaths of almost 180 people.
"It is disappointing for us but we were expecting this," PCB chief operating officer Salim Altaf told reporters in Lahore.
"We believe cricket can help improve relations between the two nations."
The deteriorating relationship between the neighbouring nations has thrown into doubt at least two future international tournaments - the rescheduled 2009 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the 2011 World Cup, which was due to be co-hosted by the two as well as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.