Pakistan act to defuse security fears

The Pakistan Cricket Board has acted swiftly to ease concerns over safety reported among the Indian players, announcing that "presidential-level security" will be provided throughout the forthcoming series between the two old rivals.

"We are aware of the concerns expressed by some of the Indian players. We are determined to provide presidential kind of security to the team once they land in Pakistan," said a PCB spokesman. "We are in regular contact with Jagmohan Dalmiya [the Indian board president] over this delicate issue and other related matters."

The spokesman also looked to play down last week's terrorist bomb attack in Karachi, which left 11 people injured. "It is unfortunate that it happened at a time when we are in the process of finalising details of the tour ... but I am sure everything will be okay and trouble-free, and Karachi will host matches against India as planned."

The importance of adequate security was underlined by Rameez Raja, the PCB's chief executive. "We are committed to provide the Indian team the best security," he said, "and for that got the needed clearance and the advice from the interior ministry."

The Indian board has taken measures of its own, announcing that a special three-man team will travel to Pakistan in the coming weeks to oversee arrangements.