Of Miandad's assurances & the D-link

MUMBAI: The newly-appointed director general of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Javed Miandad says this is the time for India and Pakistan to show solidarity by going ahead with the cricket tour.
What he doesn���t mention is that PCB stands to lose as much as $20 million if India don���t tour. With tensions rising between the two countries, it is highly unlikely if the ICC might ask BCCI to pay any compensation.
But that���s a very cricketing issue.For now, there are a few officials in the board who are also quick to point out the credentials of the man who is inviting India. For those who still not in the know, the former cricketer happens to be related to none other than Dawood Ibrahim, India���s most wanted man.
Miandad���s friendship with Dawood began after he single-handedly led Pakistan to a sensational win in 1986 at Sharjah. It culminated into a family tie when Miandad���s son Junaid wedded Dawood���s daughter Mahrukh in July, 2005.
Miandad has been speaking to the Indian media off and on in recent times, suggesting India should keep aside all fears and go ahead with the tour scheduled for early 2009.
While it is left for the government to take the final call, Miandad cannot be faulted for his assurances as he is doing it in his capacity as a top PCB functionary. A top BCCI official played the insinuations down, stating, "Let���s rather not talk about it at all."