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They'll come, they'll play...

The Pakistani cricket team will come to India as per schedule for the Test series, Pakistan High Commissioner Ashraf Jehangir Qazi has said.

This sets to rest speculations that the tour might be called off in view of Shiv Sena threats.

Qazi said: ''We have been assured by the highest authorities that there is no danger to the life of the players. On that basis our team will be coming to India.''

Earlier, speaking to sportsmen at his 7, Race Course Road resident, Vajpayee said his government would not allow anyone to disturb the matches. All such plans would be 'nipped in the bud'. Sport, the prime minister said, should not be politicised.

The sportspersons had presented a memorandum to Vajpayee urging him to ensure that sports was not to be vandalised.

''I say to them that you (the Shiv Sena) have protested. Now your purpose is solved and you should do no further harm. If you really want to fight, you should go and fight on the border instead of digging up pitches at night,'' the prime minister said. (Click for the Shiv Sena's response to this.)

Along with the steps taken by the government, public support is also needed to fight the evil elements who are trying to disrupt sports, Vajpayee added.

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