Ponting says security situation in India much safer than Pak

Defending Cricket Australias decision to go ahead with India tour despite Saturdays serial blasts, the countrys Test captain Ricky Ponting has said that there was a difference in the security situation in India and Pakistan, and that he and his team were comfortable in playing in India and not Pakistan.

Sydney, Sept 18 : Defending Cricket Australia's decision to go ahead with India tour despite Saturday's serial blasts, the country's Test captain Ricky Ponting has said that there was a difference in the security situation in India and Pakistan, and that he and his team were comfortable in playing in India and not Pakistan.

"As we all know and has been outlined already, these are very different circumstances between India and Pakistan right at the moment and Cricket Australia has made that very clear. As captain of the side and as a player, right at the moment I am very comfortable to go on the advice of Cricket Australia and the players' association," The Australian quoted Ponting as saying.

He said that Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and independent security experts and given the go ahead for the India tour. "Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have obviously been in very close contact with Cricket Australia over the last few days," Ponting said.

Ponting's comments followed an outburst from Pakistan alleging "favouritism" by Cricket Australia in proceeding with a tour of India after twice refusing to tour Pakistan this year because of safety and security concerns.

ANI