A former head of the Pakistan Cricket Board says he expects India to pull out of next year's tour due to security concerns.
"I don't think India will come because the (security) conditions are not good for international cricket (in Pakistan)," Tauqir Zia said Friday on private Geo Television.
"It will be a big setback for Pakistan cricket, but they should be prepared for this."
India is scheduled to tour Pakistan from Jan. 4 for three tests and five one-day internationals.
Zia also said he doubts that Pakistan will host the already postponed Champions Trophy limited-overs tournament next year. "What (is there) to talk about the Champions Trophy? I doubt even India will come," he said.
Rawalpindi which was ruled out as a Champions Trophy venue this year for security reasons was named as the host of one of the tests and a one-day international against India.
A powerful bomb blast left 53 dead and hundreds injured on Saturday at the Marriott Hotel in the capital Islamabad, which is adjacent to Rawalpindi.
The PCB has admitted that the itinerary for the India tour was finalized before the blast at the Marriott, where teams normally stay during international matches. The Indian team stayed at the Marriott Hotel during its previous visit to Pakistan in 2004. Top international teams have avoided touring Pakistan this year with Australia postponing its scheduled visit until 2009. The International Cricket Council postponed the biennial Champions Trophy until Sept.-Oct. 2009 after England, New Zealand, South Africa and defending champion Australia refused to participate due to security concerns.
{{/usCountry}}The PCB has admitted that the itinerary for the India tour was finalized before the blast at the Marriott, where teams normally stay during international matches. The Indian team stayed at the Marriott Hotel during its previous visit to Pakistan in 2004. Top international teams have avoided touring Pakistan this year with Australia postponing its scheduled visit until 2009. The International Cricket Council postponed the biennial Champions Trophy until Sept.-Oct. 2009 after England, New Zealand, South Africa and defending champion Australia refused to participate due to security concerns.
{{/usCountry}}Pakistan has not played a test match this year, but has invited the West Indies for two tests in November shortly after both teams play three one-day internationals at Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. The West Indies has not confirmed it will play the test matches against Pakistan.