Pakistan board fears heavy losses

Shaharyar Khan, chairman of the Pakistan board, has warned that he will seek compensation if India pull out of their proposed tour next month, claiming that Pakistan could stand to lose more than £4 million in sponsorship.

Khan said, "Someone will have to compensate us for this loss." The Indian delegation sent to Pakistan by the government and cricket board are due to report back on their findings next week, and Swami Chinmayanand, an Indian government junior minister, has warned that no compromises will be taken on the issue of player safety. "The peace process between the two countries is happening," he said. "If something happens to any player, it will be a huge obstacle in that."

However, what Chinmayanand said conflicted with Vikram Verna, the Sports Minister, who insisted that the final decision would rest with the board. "It's the cricket board's call," he said. "We have permitted the tour and that's where things stand right now. Like the cricket board, we too are awaiting the report of the security delegation. Nothing beyond this has been discussed with the cricket board or the players."