Date:06/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/06/stories/2008120657971900.htm

Sport - Cricket

Umpire Rauf can’t make it to Chennai

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan umpire Asad Rauf will not be able to officiate when India hosts England in the first cricket Test in Chennai from Thursday after a delay in obtaining a visa because of a religious holiday.

The first Test was shifted from Ahmedabad to Chennai and the second from Mumbai to Mohali due to last week’s terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

High Commission closed

“I would have gone to India to officiate in both Test matches but, because of Id holidays, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad is closed,” Rauf said on Friday.

“I had visas for Ahmedabad and Mumbai, but since the venues are now changed and the Indian embassy is closed for at least five days.

“It won’t be possible for me to get there in time for the first Test.” Rauf said he has told the International Cricket Council (ICC) about this and that his visa problem will be fixed before the second Test starts on December 19.

No problems

“There are still two more weeks before the second Test at Mohali,” Rauf said. “If the ICC asks me, I think I will have no problems in getting the visa to go there.”

The 52-year-old Rauf has officiated in 21 Tests. — AP