The President of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Mr Malcolm Gray Friday called on the President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf at the Army House in Islamabad. The 80-minute meeting was also attended by ICC President elect Mr Ehsan Mani and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Lt Gen Tauqir Zia. Wide range of discussions were held between the Pakistan President and ICC President in which Mr Malcolm Gray highlighted and appreciated PCB Chairman's role in uplifting the image of Pakistan at the global level and his role in the fight against corruption.

"Lt Gen Tauqir Zia is now an integral component of the ICC. And I assure you that his contributions are invaluable," Mr Malcolm Gray told President Musharraf. Mr Malcolm Gray told President Musharraf that he has been impressed with the security provided to him on his visit and felt no security fears whatsoever. "I feel more at home and have not felt under threat. But I believe the perceptions of the people (outside Pakistan) are wrong about this beautiful country. Nevertheless, the ICC would continue to play its role in convincing its member countries to resume tours to Pakistan," Mr Malcolm Gray told President Musharraf.

It was Malcolm Gray's second tour to Pakistan. He was also here in 2000 during the England-Pakistan Test series. Malcolm Gray has come to Pakistan on a special invitation of PCB Chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia and his visit coincides with ICC's development committee meeting scheduled for December 7 and 8 at Lahore.

President Musharraf assured the ICC President that he was willing to give security guarantees to any team visiting Pakistan. "I am giving security guarantees to every foreign team visiting Pakistan. I gave security guarantees a few months back also but my assurances were not given the consideration they deserved. And I tell you, I am not pleased with that at all and want you to pass on my dismay to the concerned authorities."

President Musharraf and Mr Malcolm Gray also discussed India's tour to Pakistan next year. India is to play three Tests and as many one-day internationals between April and May.

President Musharraf told Mr Malcolm Gray: "I want the Indian team to visit Pakistan and entertain the public here. I am all for keeping sports and politics separate. I am also a big fan of some Indian cricketers but at the same time I believe that India has to tour Pakistan first before Pakistan can make a return visit. Let me clarify here that Pakistan will not tour India until India visits Pakistan and honours its international commitment.

"I am not a big supporter of playing home series at a neutral territory and I don't feel that it should happen with India either. I want India to come here and I am confident that they will cross borders next year."

Pakistan, according to ICC's Future Tours Programme (FTP), is to make a return visit to India in 2004. The two countries are scheduled to meet six times over the next 10 years.

Malcolm Gray assured President Musharraf that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was keen to send its team to Pakistan. "But they are dependent upon clearance from its Foreign Office."

Samiul Hasan
GM – Media
December 5, 2002

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