Active Visitors: 101 Total Hits: 17419311 Since June, 2007
PM assures full security to Indian cricketers during
upcoming series
Islamabad—Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said the
government will ensure proper security arrangements for organizing the
forthcoming Pak-India cricket series as per schedule.
In a meeting with Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ejaz Butt, the
Prime Minister said as cricket is loved by the people of both India
and Pakistan, he would personally request the Indian Prime Minister to
allow Indian cricket team to visit Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said cricket is the most popular sport of Pakistan
and asked the PCB to take necessary steps for improving its related
facilities while chalking out an effective strategy for hunting new
talent in all parts of the country.
The Prime Minister said Indian government would be provided assurance
regarding their security concerns that the tour would take place as
per the itinerary provided to the Indian cricket board.
Chairman PCB told the Prime Minister that he has inherited an
organization which is massively over-staffed with very high
administrative costs, putting a severe burden on the financial
resources of PCB.
The Prime Minister asked him to initiate re-structuring of PCB in
order to run it professionally in line with other cricket boards of
the world.
He emphasized that only competent professionals should be appointed at
key posts and their performance be monitored on regular basis by
giving them specific targets.
Chairman PCB also briefed the Prime Minister about the amendments
being proposed in the Constitution of PCB aiming at streamlining the
smooth working of the PCB as well as for the promotion of cricket in
Pakistan. The Prime Minister said the elections of regional
representatives should be conducted in the same manner as provided in
the Constitution.
Ejaz Butt informed the Prime Minister that the Indian Cricket team is
scheduled to arrive in January 2009 to play three test matches, five
one- day international matches and one Twenty-20 match in
Pakistan.—APP
