Background: The Pakistan cricket team slipped into London on Tuesday (27 April), unmolested by militant groups of Bengali immigrants, who had planned a demonstration against them. There has been much discussion of the fact that no East Pakistani has gained selection on the team. Members of the All-Bangla Desh Students' Action Committee had waited for the team at London's Heathrow Airport, but the team was hustled through a back entrance to their hotel. One protestor said, "We shall follow them everywhere."

The captain of the team, Itikhab Alam, said that this is the best Pakistan side to come to England. He said they would like to win all three Tests, but would be happy with one win. The tour gets under way on Saturday (2 May). There appears to be no question of altering any of the team's social functions, during the 10-week tour.