Pak likely to pull out from sporting events in India

Karachi, Dec 24 (PTI) In what can be seen as a
tit-for-tat response, Pakistan is likely to pull out from
upcoming sporting events in India, who last week called off
its cricket team's tour across the border following the Mumbai
terror attacks.

Statements by Pakistan's Sports Minister Pir Aftab Shah
Jillani and Federal Secretary of Sports Ashraf Khan expressing
serious doubts over their national teams' tour to India in the
current political scenario has raised speculation of a freeze
in sporting ties between the two countries.

They said that sensing the volatile situation, it is
highly unlikely that the governement would allow sportspersons
to visit India for international events.

Pakistan is scheduled to take part in a four-nation
hockey series to be played in Chandigarh and Jalandhar next
February after it's squash team has a chance to defend Asian
junior title in Chennai on January 16.

"There is pressure on the government from different
quarters not to allow our teams to go to India. There is also
a feeling our teams will face security threats in India in
the existing tense conditions," the Sports Minister said.

Jillani said the Sports Ministry had sought advice
from the foreign office on the matter.

"In the existing situation, the Sports Ministry is
not the competent authority to take a decision. We are
keeping all our options open but the indications are it might
not be possible to send our teams to India until things
improve," he said.

The Sports Minister also criticised India for mixing
sports with politics.

"That decision has not helped improve relations and
even we now have to keep all options open as our first
priority is to ensure security of our players in India," he
said.

"The hockey federation has sought our clearance but
the squash federation has not come forward with any
application. If it is not in national interest we will not
allow the hockey and squash teams to go to India," he added.

Earlier in the day, Federal Secretary of Sports, Ashraf
was quoted saying by the media that the present situation
between the two neighbours was not conducive to continue with
sporting ties.

"Allowing our squash and hockey players to leave for
India will be too risky at the moment as the gravity of the
situation does not allow us to send our sports teams there,"
Ashraf was quoted as saying in the 'Dawn'.

Asked if security was a concern or it was a tit-for-tat
response, Ashraf admitted that it was in reply to India
scrapping its tour of Pakistan.

"The situation is so hot that I don't think it will be
advisable for Pakistan team to tour India, particularly when
Indians have refused to come to Pakistan. So, we have to look
at that but yes, we have not taken final decision," he told a
television channel.

"We have to take into account our foreign office, we have
to take into account our political leadership and after that
we will decide, but my personal view is that at present
atmosphere is not conducive for such events," Ashraf said.

Ashraf said a decision on the matter would be made in a
day or two.

"Maybe within a day or two (decision would be made). but
these are my personal views. This is secnario is not advisable
(to tour India).

"We're sure Indian government will make fool-proof
security arrangement but who knows, temper are so hot... that
anything can happen," he said.

When pointed out that England cricket team did not face
any security problem, Ashraf said "there is difference between
English team and Pakistan. You know the hype and relation
between Pakistan and India is different from England and
India". PTI Cor
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