Expressindia> Sports
Group Websites
Expressindia
Indian Express
Financial Express
Screen
Loksatta
Channels
Blogs
Astrology
Shopping
Hotels
Tenders
Classifieds
ExpressQnA


MOST READ

Ads by Google



Font Size - -A +A

Don't cancel Pak tour: Malik appeals to Aussies

Agencies

Posted online: Tuesday , January 01, 2008 at 1142 hrs IST
      

Melbourne, January 1: : Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik has stepped in to prevent Australia from cancelling their March tour of the troubled nation, saying he would personally speak to Ricky Ponting's men and convince them about the security situation in his country.

"I would like to speak to them personally and tell them that we will have good security for them in Pakistan. India have come here and there was a lot of talk then, but in the end there was no problem. It will be the same for Australia," Malik told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Pakistan has been on the boil after former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination last week and reports in Melbourne say several Australian cricketers are unwilling to put themselves in harm's way by touring the country.

Malik, however, steered clear from commenting on the current political situation but assured that things will improve by the time Aussies land there.

"I do not want to comment about the politics. I am a sportsman, and not very good about talking about politics. But I would like to say that with what is happening in my country, it is getting under control, and it will get better. There is still more than two months (before the Australians' arrival)," Malik assured.

Malik said cricket fans in Pakistan were keen to see the Australians in action and urged Ponting's men not to disappoint them.

"They are the best team in the world at the moment, and there are many fans in Pakistan who would love to see them. Hayden, Ponting, Symonds are all very good players, and we have also got a good side to play them. It would be bad for the game and for the people in Pakistan if they did not come," he said.

Malik said he was even willing to update the Aussies about the security situation whenever they wanted.

"The security in Pakistan is very good. I would be happy to speak to the Australian players if they would like to know what is happening here," he said.

Malik's views were echoed by former Pakistan captain Imran Khan who said there was no danger for touring cricketers.

"I don't think the cricketers have any threat at all," he told a Melbourne radio station.

"This is not going to last two months when the Australians appear. In the context of cricket, there will be nothing to worry about if the tour is in March. I don't think the Australians should have any worries," he said.

Ads by Google
Rate this article
 
Post Comment :
Name * Message *
Email ID *
Subject *
TERMS OF USE:
The views represented here are not neccesarily endorsed by www.expressindia.com and its allied websites. All messages will be moderated and no message that has inflammatory, abusive, derogatory language or any language deemed unfit for publication by the editor will be displayed. Though it will be endeavoured that as many messages as possible be displayed, there will be time lag between the submission and publication of the messages. The website reserves the right to publish or reject any message.
I agree to the terms of use.
  • Comments
    Hide Comments
Shaadi Matrimonials Get Marriage Proposals by Email EVERYDAY!
Register FREE on Naukri.com. 200000+ Hot Job Openings!
Book International flights & get 10000 Money Back
Flowers & Gifts
Send flowers & Gifts
Express Classifieds Post and view free classifieds ad
Find Love, Romance & friends
Featured Ads
© 2008 Indian Express Newspapers (Mumbai) Ltd. All rights reserved
The Indian Express Group | Advertise With Us | Privacy Policy | Feedback | Work With Us | Site Map