Pakistan assures 'foolproof' security to junior Aussie sides

Lahore, July 26 (UNI) Close on the heels of Hockey Australia's withdrawl from the Pakistan-edition of Champions Trophy citing security fears, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is leaving no stone unturned for the visiting Australia 'A' and Under-19 squads, promising to provide them 'foolproof' security generally reserved for Test squads.

PCB's Director of Cricket Operations, Zakir Khan said he is confident that the forthcoming Australia 'A' and Under-19 team's Pakistan tour in September and October later this year, would proceed smoothly and their players and officials would be completely safe in Pakistan.

''Players and officials of Australia 'A' and Under-19 squads would be provided with close protection officers during the entire tour,'' Zakir was quoted by 'The News'.

''Pakistan will leave no stone unturned in their bid to ensure the safety of the visitors,'' he added.

Security concerns has proved bete noire for Pakistan following the Lal Masjid operation in Islamabad earlier this month, with the Hockey Australia deciding not to travel to the country for the December-slated Champions Trophy.

Olympic champions pullout from the six-nation's tournament also saw the International Hockey Federation (FIH) coming out with an warning to shift the tournament to another country if the poliical situation of the host nation does not improve.

However, taking a dig at Hockey Australia, the 44-year-old cricketer-turned administrator said, ''We are happy that Cricket Australia has announced that the tours of their Under-19 and A squads would go ahead as per schedule in spite of Hockey Australia's decision to pull out of the Champions Trophy in Lahore.'' He also said that the Australian delgation who visited the country to review the security scenario was fully satisfied with the steps undertaken by the Pakistani authorities.

Incidentally, South Africa's tour of Pakistan later this year foe two Tests and five ODIs also hung in balance, though Zakir played down such fears.

''We have received no communication from Cricket South Africa in recent days and believe that they have no issues regarding sending their team to Pakistan,''he said.

UNI