Pakistan plans tight security for Indian cricket team's visit

Tight security will be in place when the Indian cricket team travel to Pakistan for an ice breaking Test match in September, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Lieutenant General Tauqir Zia said in Karachi on Sunday.

"We have planned special tight security during the Lahore Test in September this year," Zia told reporters, adding that he hoped the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would be given the allclear by the Indian government for the visit.

India is scheduled to play their first Test in Pakistan for 12 years when they feature in an Asian Test Championship match from September 12-16.

When India played their last Test series in Pakistan in 1989-90, a religious party activist attacked then-Indian captain Krishnamachari Srikanth during the Karachi Test. Srikkanth though was unscathed as security personnel arrested the attacker.

"We know the needs of security and will not slack in our duties," Zia said.

After last week's inconclusive Agra summit between Pakistan and India, there were fears the Test may come under threats from extremists. But Zia said he was hopeful the match was still on.

"As far as we know, they will come to Pakistan in the second week of September and we are gearing up for that." The BCCI is intent on improving cricketing relations with PCB, he said.

"Both the boards are keen on improving relations and as a gesture we will send a Pakistan A team to India in October," he added. "We also want to invite India and Sri Lanka to Pakistan for an under-19 tournament to prepare for the under-19 World Cup."

New Zealand hosts the biennial under-19 World Cup in January and February next year.

Zia said a four-member selection committee will meet next week to select Pakistan probables for a training camp for the Asian Test Championship.

Defending champions Pakistan will play Bangladesh in the championship opener in Multan from August 29.