Dungarpur sad at tour cancellation

Lahore, Nov 17: A former chief of the Indian cricket board said it was disappointing that his team was not coming to Pakistan but emphasised that it was a government decision.

"I can assure that the BCCI and the cricket team are disappointed that they will not be playing in Pakistan. But it was a government decision," Raj Singh Dungarpur, who was the BCCI chief when Pakistan toured India last year, said.

He added: "The clearance from Indian foreign office is not required for all tours. But for Pakistan, we needed it. We had to wait for clearance from them. But it was hard and we have to accept it."

Dungargur is in Lahore for the ICC finance committee meeting starting here Sunday.

Dungarpur recalled that when England wanted to bring their South African rebels to India in the early 80s, late Mrs Indra Gandhi had warned them clearly that they would not be welcome. "The tour was cancelled. The government has certain principles and policies which they have to follow."

Dungarpur refused to be drawn to PCB chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia's threat to break all cricketing relations with India. "I know he is a hurt man but I don't want to comment on his statement."

But the former BCCI boss that Indian board was a more autonomous body than Pakistan board where the government involvement is not there. "But the tour of Pakistan was something very special.

"I remember the Pakistan players playing in India last year. The crowd adored them as you can remember 40,000 Chinnai crowd gave them a standing ovation after they defeated India.

"I know Pakistan public love to see the Indians playing here. I was the manager of the team in 1984. But its sad and let's hope that the relationship revives as soon as possible."