WICB Still Uncertain Over Pakistan Tour

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) yesterday confirmed that it has received an itinerary from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding proposed dates and the number of match fixtures for the upcoming series between their two teams.

But in acknowledging the receipt of the proposed itinerary, the WICB was careful to add that no final decision has been taken with respect to the tour. The WICB in a release stated: "while the WICB has no problem with these aspects of the proposed itinerary, it is not yet in a position to state whether the series will indeed be played in Pakistan."

As was the case prior to the start of the current Sri Lankan tour, the WICB have expressed certain concerns about player safety given the ongoing US-led military action in nearby Afghanistan. The statement was issued following the publishing of the proposed itinerary by the PCB yesterday.

Although public statements have been made by the PCB that Pakistan is ready, from a safety and security standpoint, to resume hosting international cricket, this has not been independently verified to the WICB.

The WICB has consistently, in its exchange of correspondence with the PCB, underlined its commitment to playing the series, while maintaining that it has concerns about the safety of Pakistan as a venue. This position has not changed and the WICB will be taking the necessary steps to ensure that it is completely satisfied that these concerns have been adequately addressed.

The West Indies are due to tour Pakistan next month, and engage in a three-Test series followed by three One Day Internationals, before returning to the Caribbean to host India and New Zealand in back-to-back Test series.