Cricket : Wary welcome to Pakistani cricket fans this time

Mohali, Oct 19 (IANS) India-Pakistan tensions in the diplomatic arena are impacting the playing field, at least as far as cricket fans are concerned, with only a few Pakistanis being allowed for matches and that too under a tight security watch that may not even allow them to go sightseeing.Unlike 2004, when 4,000 Pakistanis crossed over from the Wagah road border and were ferried free till Chandigarh, 10 km from here, the path to the stadium this time is full of hurdles.The central government, Punjab Police sources here confirmed, has allowed only a 'limited' number of Pakistani cricket fans to enter India through Wagah for the two one-day international matches at the magnificent Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium here.The two matches, against New Zealand and South Africa, are scheduled to be played here Oct 25 and 27.Only 1,000 Pakistani fans would be allowed entry from Wagah and be transported to Mohali under tight security of the Punjab Police and paramilitary forces."You can say that they will be under virtual captivity. They will not be even allowed to go for sightseeing," said police official.At a meeting of security, administrative, customs and immigration officials at Wagah Wednesday, it was also decided that the earlier concession of free transport to the Pakistani fans would not be extended this time.The visitors would be offered packages at Wagah itself and would be charged for the same.The wary welcome follows the July 11 train bombings in Mumbai and other terrorist incidents which security agencies believe could involve a Pakistani hand.Besides, the last time 11 Pakistani fans had gone missing in Punjab when Pakistan played a Test here. Then, they had been feasted along the route from Wagah till here and later offered subsidised accommodation in hotels in Mohali and Chandigarh.Many Pakistani fans were also accommodated by local residents in their homes. Nothing of this sort is on offer now.However, PCA president I.S. Bindra said they were prepared for Pakistani fans this time as well, subject to approval from the central government."We have reserved 4,000 seats for them. Hotels too have been booked," he said.Security agencies had also made strict measures for foolproof security of the Pakistani team that arrives here Thursday.

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