SA call for venue change in Pakistan

The South African board (UCB) has formally requested that two of the fixtures on their forthcoming tour of Pakistan be moved, amid fears for the safety of the players. The venues that are deemed to be of concern are Karachi, which is due to host a tour match, a Test, and an ODI, and Peshawar, which will stage the third Test.

"We have received a letter from the UCB requesting to relocate matches from Karachi and Peshawar," said Rameez Raja, the chief executive of the PCB. "But we will convince them not to change the fixtures. I will write them in the next two days and request them not to demand any venue changes. We can't deprive the people of Karachi of international cricket."

The UCB was advised by South Africa's foreign office that while there was no particular threat to South Africans, there were "areas of concern". Bronwyn Wilkinson, the head of communications at the board, said the UCB wanted those two venues to be switched.

Rameez, however, is insistent: "We know [South Africa's] foreign office has not forbidden them to travel to these cities," he said, "because the situation is safe. We hosted two Tests in these cities against Bangladesh in the last fortnight. The tour itinerary was confirmed by the UCB and we hope all will settle down."

Graeme Smith, South Africa's captain, said that the team would adhere to any instructions given by the board.