A top official of the Board of Control for Cricket in India left for Lahore on Monday to convince Pakistan that Ahmedabad is a safe venue for hosting a Test during the upcoming Indo-Pak series.

Although BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla is on a private visit, the trip assumes importance in view of the stalemate over Ahmedabad, a venue which the PCB wants to avoid because of "political reasons".

Shukla will be attending the wedding reception of the son of former Pakistan prime minister Chowdhary Shujaat Hussain and would take the opportunity to discuss the issue with PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan.

A top BCCI source said Shukla would meet Shaharyar and other top PCB officials on either Tuesday or Wednesday.

Shukla may also call on Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf who happens to be the Patron-in-Chief of PCB.

"The occasion would give Shukla the opportunity to discuss India's viewpoint on the Ahmedabad issue. We are hopeful of an amicable solution," the source said.

Pakistan have expressed their reservations over playing in Ahmedabad, which witnessed communal riots in 2002, citing political reasons.

India want Pakistan to reconsider their stand stating that they are ready to give fool-proof security to the visiting team.

The itinerary for the three Tests and five one-dayers beginning later this month is expected to be finalised at the BCCI working committee meeting in Delhi on February 16.