Chairman PCB, Mr. Shaharyar M Khan, has issued the following statement after the highly successful conclusion of the Pakistan team's tour of India:

"I would like to add my profound congratulations to Captain Inzimam-ul-Haq, Bob Woolmer and to the Pakistan team for their outstanding performance in India. To draw the Test series with a magnificent victory at Bangalore and to win the ODI series after losing the first two matches is testimony to their fighting spirit, commitment and pride of performance. President Musharraf has personally congratulated the team for their outstanding performance in Delhi on 17th April. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will be receiving the team in Islamabad on 24th April.

The self-belief in the young and relatively inexperienced team began at Mohali where the team fought a remarkable reargued to draw the Test. Then one bad day lost us the Kolkata match but the highlight of the tour was Pakistan's remarkable victory to square the series at Bangalore. Test Matches are the real measure of strength in cricket and to make a come-back after losing the 2nd Test spoke volumes for the courage and single-minded dedication that the Captain and Coach have inculcated in the young team. The Test series provided riveting cricket in all three Tests played before capacity crowds at every venue.

I am particularly gratified that, apart from the overwhelming joy of winning the ODIs, the team's conduct throughout an arduous tour was exemplary. All players demonstrated a high sense of sportsmanship and acted as Ambassadors on and off the field. For me, the abiding memory of the tour was Inziman's dignity and modesty on winning the match on the last ball of the match at Ahmedabad. We now need to build on the solid platform of performance that has been achieved in India.

I am specially gratified that the Pakistan-India Joint Communiqué issued after President Musharraf visit to Delhi has recognized the role of the cricket series in opening doors of goodwill between the people of both countries".

PCB Media Department

(Article: Copyright © 2005 Pakistan Cricket Board)