Zimbabwe tour of Pakistan an unmanageable risk: Cricketer's Association

Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore getting ready

The Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA) has strictly warned Zimbabwe against touring Pakistan as they are concerned about the security of the players and believe that the risk is ‘unmanageable’.

Zimbabwe are scheduled to play 3 ODIs and 2 T20 internationals in Lahore between May 19th and 31st. The tour was confirmed last week after Pakistan promised a return tour to Zimbabwe in the month of August this year.

“We are very concerned about the safety of players and any match officials who may be sent to Pakistan, should this tour go ahead,” Tony Irish, the FICA executive chairman, said.

“The risk assessment that we have received from FICA's security consultants is that an international tour to Pakistan remains an unacceptable risk and teams are advised against travelling there at present.

“Although we are sure that the Pakistan Cricket Board will do what they can regarding a security plan, our experts advise that the risk is unmanageable.” said Irish.

Alistair Cambell coy on tour

Alistair Campbell, managing director of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), along with three security experts, flew to Pakistan to examine the security arrangements at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Before leaving for Lahore, Campbell was quoted saying, “As far as I know, both boards (ZC and PCB) have confirmed that the tour will go ahead. I cannot comment on the FICA statements as I'm yet to read it and can only respond to it when I have seen it."

This would be the first tour after 6 long years by a full member nation (Zimbabwe) to Pakistan. After the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in 2009, the Pakistani team have been forced to play their home matches at United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Afghanistan and Kenya have toured Pakistan in the recent past, though Bangladesh backed out after committing themselves twice.