South Africa to continue tour despite bombings
Bureau Report

JOHANNESBURG—South African cricket officials decided on Friday to continue their tour of Pakistan despite an assassination attempt on returning former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in Karachi.
Cricket South Africa's general operations manager Brian Basson said that the decision to push on with the ongoing series of one-day internationals had been taken after the squad received safety assurances from their hosts.
"Even though the Proteas are presently in Lahore and the bombing took place in Karachi, CSA called the Pakistan Cricket Board concerning the safety of the team," Basson said in a statement issued in Johannesburg. "The PCB then held a high level meeting with the Pakistan security authorities and the (Pakistan) home secretary today. "After the meeting, the PCB and the security authorities assured us of the continued safety of the Proteas on this tour and that the security around the team will remain at the highest level. CSA has accepted these assurances and the tour will continue. CSA will, however, monitor the situation carefully."
At least 138 people were killed in Karachi when a massive bomb ripped through crowds welcoming Bhutto back to Karachi after eight years in exile. The series moves to Faisalabad and then Multan after tomorrow’s game in Lahore and the tourists have been assured beefed-up levels of security for the remainder of the tour. Logan Naidoo, South Africa’s manager and vice-president CSA, said the offer had come from the home secretary’s office. “We came here knowing the situation and we knew it wasn’t free movement. That hasn’t changed after the incidents of last night. It’s strange because we didn’t go to the PCB and say we needed more security. In fact, the home secretary said levels of security will be increased by another two levels at the other three venues.”
The tour itinerary, however, remains open to change should the situation in the country change again. “Having met with the PCB chairman and officials and with the home secretary, we are quite satisfied so far that the arrangements that are made are acceptable to the South African team so we will definitely continue with the tour.
“We will be keeping tabs on what’s happening within the country for the rest of the tour and if anything changes we will meet again before making a decision.” The management offered their sympathies and condolences to the families affected by the blasts and said the players had been disturbed by the deaths.