Amjid Javed
31st January 2005, 07:56
Special envoys from the Pakistan Cricket Board are concerned that the Indian city of Kanpur may not be fit to stage a one-day international.
The Green Park stadium is due to host one of five one-day internationals in March or April between the two sides.
The PCB believes the galleries and boundary walls are in such a poor state they could cave in during the match.
One delegate, Zakir Khan, said: "The local administration must ensure that no untoward incident happens."
PCB general manager Zakir and senior police official Sohail Khan are assessing a variety of venues before Pakistan's visit.
They have already visited the Motera stadium in the western city of Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad witnessed religious riots between Hindus and Muslims three years ago resulting in deaths of more than 1,000 people.
And the last time India and Pakistan played each other in Ahmedabad was in 1987.
Venues not confirmed
But after holding discussions with members of the state cricket association and senior police officials, Zakir and Sohal are happy with safety and security measures in place there.
Pakistan, scheduled to arrive on 25 February, play three Test matches and five one-day internationals.
Though dates for the series have been announced, the venues are yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is preparing a detailed plan for the preparation of grounds and wickets for the series.
Pakistan's visit to India follows the 2004 tour of Pakistan by India, the first such tour in 14 years
It is a sign that political relations are steadily improving between the two Asian neighbours.
The Green Park stadium is due to host one of five one-day internationals in March or April between the two sides.
The PCB believes the galleries and boundary walls are in such a poor state they could cave in during the match.
One delegate, Zakir Khan, said: "The local administration must ensure that no untoward incident happens."
PCB general manager Zakir and senior police official Sohail Khan are assessing a variety of venues before Pakistan's visit.
They have already visited the Motera stadium in the western city of Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad witnessed religious riots between Hindus and Muslims three years ago resulting in deaths of more than 1,000 people.
And the last time India and Pakistan played each other in Ahmedabad was in 1987.
Venues not confirmed
But after holding discussions with members of the state cricket association and senior police officials, Zakir and Sohal are happy with safety and security measures in place there.
Pakistan, scheduled to arrive on 25 February, play three Test matches and five one-day internationals.
Though dates for the series have been announced, the venues are yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is preparing a detailed plan for the preparation of grounds and wickets for the series.
Pakistan's visit to India follows the 2004 tour of Pakistan by India, the first such tour in 14 years
It is a sign that political relations are steadily improving between the two Asian neighbours.