Pakistan security team clears Mohali

A Pakistan Cricket Board team in India to assess security ahead of Pakistan's high-profile visit at the end of February have said they are satisfied with security arrangements in the northern city of Mohali.

"Mohali has a fine stadium and we have no concerns," Zakir Khan, the PCB's general manager, told reporters after inspecting the ground. The country-wide inspection will last five days before an assessment is made to the Pakistan board. Series between the two teams have been marked by tight security in the past due to opposition from fundamentalists.

Sohail Khan, a security expert, and Khan arrived in India to assess the situation. The News quoted Zakir as saying, "Our job is look at the venues, accommodation for the players, travel, and of course, the security of the team."

Pakistan are pencilled in to play a Test in Ahmedabad, which was rocked by communal riots in 2002. The Pakistan foreign office advised the board to skip the venue, but Zakir said that the security team would see for themselves. "We are here with an open mind," said Zakir. "We'll look at everything and present our report to the cricket board."

Pakistan are due to arrive on February 25 for three Tests and five one-day internationals.