Pakistan promises high security for B'desh team

Pakistan government officials have promised intense security measures for a nine-member delegation from Bangladesh which will assess the countrys ability to resume hosting international cricket.Pakistan has not hosted a test-playing country since gunmen attacked Sri Lankas team bus at Lahore in March 2009, killing six police officers and a van driver.Pakistan is planning to end that isolation by hosting Bangladesh for a limited-overs tour next month, with the Bangladesh delegation visiting over two days to check on security measures.We will give the full force which is the requirement, interior minister Rehman Malik told Bangladesh Cricket Board president Mustafa Kamal.From landing to departure and while staying in hotel or any movement within the country and of course the stadiums, they will all stand fully protected.Kamal is heading the delegation which comprises top ranked officials from Bangladesh police, sports ministry and interior ministry. The delegation will visit Lahore and Karachi the two tentative venues to assess security measures before reporting back to their government.The interior minister has assured us that on the security threat perception whatever is needed will be taken care of if Bangladesh (cricket team) visits, Kamal told reporters.We will have to report to the (Bangladesh) government for their decision. This is the first stage, once the first stage is completed then definitely we will know how things are taking place.The International Cricket Council will send its own security delegation if Bangladesh confirmed next months proposed tour.I am here with a positive mood of mind and hopefully we will be in a position to convince our ICC board members so that they also agree to play in Pakistan as early as possible, Kamal said.The Pakistan Cricket Board has planned to host Bangladesh for either three one-dayers or two plus a Twenty20, and the host cities remain negotiable.What is important is that let them have look at all those arrangements which we are proposing, Malik said. Ive also given him the prerogative that if he wants to add or subtract (a city) we will do it.Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Zaka Ashraf also attended the meeting at the interior ministry.I am sure they will be fully satisfied with the security plan and when they go back home, they go back home fully satisfied, Ashraf said.Since 2009, Pakistan has been forced to hold its home series at neutral venues, mainly in the United Arab Emirates.Bangladesh recognizes the fact that cricket in Pakistan is adored by everybody from north to south, by young or old, men or women, everybody adores cricket. It is in fact respected here as religion, Kamal said.That is very painful for Pakistani cricket lovers that for a long time cricket is not being played here.