PCB chief blames LoC issue for nixing India tour to Pak

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Zaka Ashraf has claimed that a tour by the Indian team to Pakistan had almost been finalised before the recent situation across the Line of Control (LoC) ''spoiled everything''.

Ashraf, who, since taking over as PCB chief in October 2011, has been making efforts to invite teams to Pakistan in a bid to revive international cricket in the country, said that he had held positive talks with the BCCI and government officials recently in India, reported the Daily Times.

Ashraf said he believes that peace-loving people of both the countries should make joint efforts to defeat those elements who are trying to sabotage the peace process.

He also insisted that his act of sending get-well bouquets to late Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray, before Pakistan went to India for the One-day series, was a gesture that was much appreciated by everyone.

Shiv Sena has been at the forefront of protests in India against allowing Pakistani sportsmen to play there in the wake of simmering tension across the LOC.

Ashraf said that people's perception about Pakistan had changed after the attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.

He admitted that though it was not easy for families in foreign countries to send their loved ones here, the PCB was ready to offer the families of all players every kind of security besides 2 million dollars insurance for each player.