November 09 Saturday 2002
Pakistan happy in Zimbabwe, says Waqar

HARARE:Pakistan captain Waqar Younis has said he has no qualms about touring Zimbabwe, and would be happy for his team to fulfil their World Cup obligations in the politically unsettled country. 

"We've been hearing a lot about problems in Zimbabwe, but I don't see any problems," Waqar told reporters on Friday on the eve of the first Test against Zimbabwe in Harare. 

"We have played here before and we haven't had any problems. We are enjoying it so far, and hopefully we will enjoy the whole tour - it's going smoothly." Zimbabwe are scheduled to play their six 2003 World Cup pool matches in Harare and Bulawayo. They are due to play Pakistan in Bulawayo on March 4. 

There are doubts whether Australia and England, whose governments have locked horns with Zimbabwe's rulers recently, will honour their fixtures. Australia cancelled a tour to Zimbabwe in April because of security fears. A high powered delegation, including International Cricket Council chief executive Malcolm Speed, is scheduled to arrive in Zimbabwe on November 26 to assess safety in the two cities. 

Asked what he thought of the reluctance of certain teams to visit Zimbabwe and of playing World Cup matches there, Waqar Younis said: "That's their issue, but as far as Pakistan is concerned we are happy to come here at any time. "We enjoy playing cricket here." Pakistan have also had home series cancelled or switched to neutral venues because of the unstable political situation in their country.