Bangladesh tour will ease security concerns - Ashraf

Zaka Ashraf, the PCB chairman, has said security for Bangladesh's scheduled tour of Pakistan in April 2012 will have to be of "the highest standards" as all eyes will be on Pakistan. Ashraf said that Bangladesh's proposed visit was a chance to change external perceptions over security concerns which have prevented international cricket in Pakistan since the Sri Lanka team was attacked in March 2009.

"A successful tour by Bangladesh to Pakistan would mean a new beginning for international cricket in Pakistan," Ashraf said in Lahore. "Obviously, this would be watched closely by other member countries and we have to demonstrate that security arrangements are of the highest standards. I think it is of paramount importance that we present foolproof security plans to the visiting Bangladesh security team and implement them." The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will conduct a security inspection of Pakistan next month as a precursor to the tour.

According to Ashraf, the PCB had not finalised an itinerary for the tour but the goal was to make other teams consider visiting Pakistan. "We were in talks for the last one-and-a-half months with Bangladesh and finally we have been able to convince a team to visit us. We haven't proposed any itinerary but the aim is to host them for two or three matches to ease the security concerns that would help us to change the world's perception.

"The agreement with Bangladesh is a major breakthrough. It's like breaking the ice. Let them visit us and it will increase the scope of inviting more teams."

The PCB will now start making preparations for briefing the BCB's security team regarding arrangements that will be put in place and will also request the Pakistan government to present security plans to the team. "We have to show them the security plans and if they still have any concerns then we will settle them with their input to give them the required comfort to ensure that the tour goes ahead."

"We enjoy cordial relations with our brotherly nation Bangladesh and I thank the BCB again for their support to Pakistan."