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Bipini Dani in MUMBAI
MEHAR Mohammad Khalil, the driver of the bus that was carrying the Sri Lankan players when it was attacked by gunmen in Lahore in March 2009, is delighted to see a Test playing nation touring Pakistan again.

Khalil was hailed as a hero and life-saver after he drove the bus, carrying the Sri Lankan cricketers, to safety through volleys of gunfire.

The attack claimed the lives of a dozen police officers and left the visiting players nursing injuries.

It forced the world’s best cricket playing nations to stop touring Pakistan, on security concerns, until the Zimbabweans decided to tour this week.

“I am happy to see the resumption of game in our country,” said the 48-year-old Khalil.

“I hope to see the Indian team one day visit this country and play the game of cricket.”

He won’t be driving the Zimbabwean team during this tour.

“Unfortunately, I will not be driving the Zimbabwean team to Gaddafi Stadium this time”, he said.

“The task of carrying players this time is being handled by the highest security force where I am not involved and is also being supervised by Rangers and police officials.

“Secondly, I am not in this (driving) profession. I am now engaged in a furniture business and buy/ manufacture stuffs in Pakistan and sell them in Morocco (Rabat).

“There were no bullet proof vehicles for the visiting team then. This time also the bullet proof buses may not have been hired as it involves heavy expenses.

“But the integrity and humanity is more important.”

The members of the Zimbabwe team and support staff are insured for the tour, Zimbabwe Cricket board chairman Wilson Manase confirmed.

“There is an insurance for them. But I can’t disclose the sum amount,” said Manase.