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PCB has ensured that Indian tour would not be affected
in any way due to inability expressed by Rawalpindi
and Peshawar for hosting ODIs, the problem would be
sorted out soon, and that the tour would go on as per
the original schedule.
"The problem with the ODIs in Rawalpindi and Peshawar
will be sorted out latest by Tuesday. We've several
options to resolve that problem. What is final is that
India will reach Lahore and the tour would be held on
schedule," PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan said.
He confirmed the local administration and law enforcement
agencies in Rawalpindi and Peshawar were keen to prepone
the matches because of security and logistical problems.
"Their main concern is that since the matches are
scheduled in the first ashra (ten-day period) of Muharram
they require security personnel to man the Muharram
processions which are taken out in these cities in large
numbers. They are keen that the matches be brought forward
so that they can have ample security cover for the teams.
We had suggested to the Indians to reduce the number
of rest days in between the matches or arrive earlier
but they've other views," he said.
The PCB chief further said that in case of difficulty,
the first two ODIs to be held in Peshawar and Rawalpindi
might be preponed.
"We are looking at the possibility of taking the
first two ODIs forward and giving a bigger rest period
later on between matches or rescheduling the Peshawar
game which is scheduled around the 7 and 8th of Muharram.
Obviously we realise the difficulties faced by the local
administration and law enforcement agencies but we are
also helpless since the tour schedule can't be changed
because of time shortage," Shaharyar said.
Shaharyar said the PCB was keen to have a match in Peshawar
since it had not hosted an international match against
England.
"Similarly Rawalpindi is the capital twin city
of the country and we can't have a tour without a match
there," he added.
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