(a) whether the Government have banned the Indian Cricket Team from touring Pakistan in January, 2001;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) its likely effect on the relations between both the countries in the field of sports ; and
(d) the time up to which this decision is likely to remain in force?
THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SUSHREE UMA BHARTI)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN THE REPLY OF PARTS (a) TO (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 404 FOR 18.12.2000 BY SHRI RAMCHANDER BAINDA AND DR. SUSHIL KUMAR INDORA REGARDING BAN ON INDIAN CRICKET TEAM FOR TOURING PAKISTAN
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) to (d): While Government has always placed strong emphasis on developing relations in the field of Culture, sports and people to people contact, the present environment was considered inappropriate for the Indian cricket team to undertake regular tour of Pakistan at this stage. A more conducive environment would be necessary for such a tour to take place.