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Kiwis in two minds over Pak tour

June 06, 2008 17:55 IST

Amid reports that some of the New Zealand players in the side are uncomfortable with the idea of touring trouble-torn Pakistan late August this year, all-rounder Jacob Oram admitted security remains an issue with the players.

In fact, according to Oram, security remains a "massive issue" and although he himself is undecided, the all-rounder said the issue figured in a recent team meeting.

"It's a massive issue for players and everyone concerned. It's still a while away, nothing in my head's been made up either way," Oram, playing the third Test against England at Trent Bridge, was quoted as saying by the Australian Associated Press (AAP). 

Oram also made it clear that he would seek the opinion of his family members before packing his bag and starting for Pakistan.

"I'll really have to sit down with my wife and family and make decisions," he said.

Oram said security in Pakistan was one of the issues of discussion when New Zealand's Cricket Players' Association boss Heath Mills met with the team before last month's first Test at Lord's.

"There are security issues going on so there will have to be talks, definitely," Oram said.

Earlier this week, New Zealand manager Lindsay Crocker admitted he was aware of "chatter" among the players although none had really decided to pull out of the tour.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has already kept the pull-out option open for the players, assuring that it would not affect their contract.

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