Pakistan act to diffuse security fears
India's players are seeking assurances from the Indian board (BCCI) as to their personal safety before agreeing to travel to Pakistan for March's ground-breaking series
Wisden Cricinfo staff
16-Jan-2004
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Jagmohan Dalmiya: has been in regular touch with the Pakistan board © Getty Images |
The article adds that several players believe that the BCCI has spent more time focusing on the financial windfall likely to accrue from the games than it has on the welfare of the team.
"Is anyone in the BCCI going to do a recce before the tour and see what the arrangements are for the team?" the magazine quotes an unnamed player as saying. "We get a feeling they are happy to just have the tour and send us off. There seems to be more talk of television revenues rather than security which is disturbing."
Recent reports have indicated that the tour could generate huge sums of money, with the cash-strapped Pakistan Cricket Board alone set to earn around $30 million in broadcast and sponsorship rights.
Jagmohan Dalmiya, the BCCI president, dismissed the concerns, insisting that he had been in regular touch with the Pakistan board to discuss all aspects of the tour, including player security.