The United Cricket Board of South Africa pulled out 48 hours before their arrival in Karachi because of security fears arising out of a bomb blast in the troubled port city on Friday.

The last minute withdrawal of the Proteas dashed Pakistan's hopes of continuing to reestablish international cricket at home. Bangladesh's tour ended 15 months of isolation.

"Pakistan is as safe as any other country in the world. No one can ever give absolute guarantees for anyone's safety. Even when we go to play abroad we know anything unexpected could happen. That's how life goes," said Inzamam.

"I don't understand what sort of spooky attitude the South Africans have adopted by backing out of a tour they confirmed only a couple of days ago," said a visibly rattled Inzamam.

Miandad said that his team was looking forward to play this series. The cancellation comes as a bitter blow for millions of Pakistani fans.

"I think, given the security assurance and guarantees from our Board, law enforcing agencies and even the government, the South Africans have acted hastily. I don't think they were going to be in any real danger while in Pakistan," said the famous Karachi cricketer.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman Samiul Hassan revealed that they have sent a revised schedule to UCB in the hope that they would change their minds and tour Pakistan.

The PCB is expecting to incur a loss of 3.5 million dollars if the Proteas don't come as planned.

MIXED EMOTIONSThere were mixed feeling among the Bangladesh cricketers as they prepare for the trip home after a grueling 38-day tour of Pakistan.

While some cricketers felt homesick others said they enjoyed trips abroad.

Mohammad Ashraful may be the biggest flop in the tour, but the young right-hander still thought it was better than being stuck at home in Dhaka.

"Now it's an off season at home. That's very painful for me. So, it's better to be on tour," said the youngster.

Rajin Saleh, who is the biggest find for Bangladesh in the series, also echoed the sentiment of Ashraful saying that he never felt homesick.

"I never feel bored while on tour," he said.

Right-arm paceman Tapas Baisya said that he had phoned home only once so far in the last 36 days and did not mind that.

However, the views of the married members of the team are understandably different. Captain Khaled Mahmud is always homesick and misses his family.

"Oh, I'm missing home very much," said the Bangladesh captain.

Former captain and wicket-keeper Khaled Mashud always misses his mother's cooking.

"I love home food especially which is cooked by my mother," Mashud said.

Premier batsman Habibul Bashar can't wait for the tour to end.

"I want to go home right now if I was allowed then I could see the face of my beloved son," Bashar said.

SECURITY OVERDRIVE AT KARACHIThe security arrangement at the Karachi National Stadium was beefed up for the final one-day match between Bangladesh and Pakistan yesterday following a bomb blast in the city on Friday.

Although security was tight even last month when Bangladesh played the first Test against Pakistan, but additional measures were taken on Sunday to avoid any untoward incident.

No taxis were allowed to enter the stadium premises and spectators were thoroughly searched by the law enforcement agencies before allowing them entry into the galleries.

Even journalists had to go through metal detectors and their bags were screened which was not the case in the first Test last month.