Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Calcutta: Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, vice-captain Virender Sehwag and senior-most pro Sachin Tendulkar have informally told the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that they and the rest of the players have “strong reservations” about touring Pakistan in January-February 2009.

That the players could move in that direction was reported by The Telegraph on Tuesday.

According to well-placed sources, the Big 3 have, at the same time, made it clear that they have no problem with Pakistan as an opposition, it’s just that they (and the rest) don’t wish to tour a country where blasts are almost a daily occurrence.

If the carnage at the Islamabad Marriott in September rattled the players, for that hotel usually hosts cricket teams, last Saturday’s blast outside the Gaddafi left them shocked.

In recent times, the Australians and players from the West Indies have also refused to tour Pakistan.

“The Big 3 have made an informal representation… What’s significant is that the entire team has reservations… When even the Gaddafi isn’t safe, how can the players be expected to focus on their cricket? In any case, a tour of Pakistan is very demanding mentally… Because of the restrictions, it’s draining,” is what one of the well-placed sources said late on Wednesday.

The BCCI, though, hasn’t confirmed this development. Hardly a surprise, as it’s bound to affect cricketing ties with Pakistan and some in the BCCI wouldn’t like the Asian unity within the International Cricket Council to be broken.

Lives, however, are much more important. In fact, that’s the bottom line which matters.

Eventually, it’s a ‘no’ from the government which could come to the BCCI’s rescue. Indeed, despite pressure from Islamabad, it’s unlikely that New Delhi is going to give permission.

Earlier this month, the government withheld its okay for the hockey colts’ tour of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, unfazed by the negative developments, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ejaz Butt intends coming to India next week for a one-on-one with BCCI president Shashank Man-ohar.

Till the other day, the PCB was looking at the option of ‘hosting’ India at a neutral venue. Perhaps, the time has come to work on that more actively.