Attack on Sri Lanka cricket team: Butt says he suggested hosting the match in Karachi

Lahore, Dec. 22 (ANI) : In an apparent bid to come clear from the charges of slack security preparations during Sri Lankan cricket team's visit earlier this year , Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt has said that he was not in favour of hosting the Test match in Lahore during which the Lankans were attacked by terrorists.

Butt told a private television channel that he had urged the government to host the match in Karachi instead of Lahore, as Punjab's conditions was not appropriate for hosting an international event, but he said his suggestions were sidelined.

"A top government official rejected our suggestion and said the Test would be held in Lahore. The implementation of the security arrangements for the visiting team was also that of the government, the board could do nothing about it," The Daily Times quoted Butt, as saying.

The 76-years old PCB chief added the inquiry by the Lahore High Court had found out the people who were responsible for the lax security arrangements.

"I can't name anyone but the inquiry report is there for everyone to see," Butt said.

He strongly opposed suggestions that he is promoting nepotism in the board, and said that appointing former Test players on important posts in the board was a big mistake.

"This is a wrong impression that I prefer people who pander to me or are my relatives or friends. I want people who can deliver because I run a big business house. Appointing former players was my mistake," Butt said. (ANI)