Pakistan PM in tour pledge

Pakistan's PM Syed Yousuf Gillani is working to ensure India's tour goes ahead

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Pakistan's Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Gillani, has told the Pakistan Cricket Board every step will be taken to ensure India's tour of the country goes ahead as scheduled early next year.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India president Shashank Manohar had said India would tour only if the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) granted permission for the team to travel to the neighbouring country.

That clearance looked in doubt as the MEA had refused to allow a junior hockey team to tour Pakistan last month, citing security reasons.

Pakistan have been starved of international cricket this year with Australia postponing a scheduled tour due to security concerns and the ICC Champions Trophy being postponed after several countries refused to travel.

The cash-strapped PCB are leaving no stone unturned in their attempt to get India to tour.

PCB chairman Ijaz Butt and chief operating officer Saleem Altaf met with India's High Commissioner yesterday and the Prime Minister today.

"This (cricket tour) is a very high-profile tour and the Indian government would be provided every assurance regarding their security concerns," Gillani said in a statement.

"The government of Pakistan will ensure proper security arrangements for organising the forthcoming series.”

Gillani has also promised to speak to the Indian government on the board's behalf.

India are due to tour Pakistan for three Tests, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match from January 13 to February 19.