However, diplomatic tensions have meant that the two teams have not played any bilateral series for more than three years, and their rivalry is restricted to multi-national tournaments such as the World T20.
Advertisement
The assurance was given to Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit when he called on Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi here today.
Pakistan’s senior batsman Younis Khan, who is a member of the inquiry committee, chose to skip the meeting but Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq made his presence felt.
Pakistan is slated to play hosts and archrivals India in a Super 10 match in the tournament on March 19 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The clash between the two sides on Saturday next week has already been shifted to Kolkata following Pakistani security concerns over the original venue, Dharamsala.
“Pakistan’s main concern has been addressed”.
“We have received communication from the International Cricket Council and Board of Control for Cricket in India”.
PCB chairman Shahryar Khan spoke with the Pakistan players on Thursday and told them to remain focused on the game.
This was prompted after Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had earlier expressed his aversion to the Indo-Pak match in his state after the ex-servicemen and families of slain army officials opposed to stage a match involving Pakistan in the wake of the recent Pathankot attacks.
“The World T20 is perhaps the last opportunity for all of us to give our best and we will try not to disappoint the nation”.
He also said the India’s Ministry of Home Affairs had stated the Pakistan team would be provided with additional security during the World T20. “It is for the Pakistan Government to decide”, he told the media here.
“In the last six months our form has kept on slipping but I think the World T20 gives us a very good platform to bounce back strongly”, Waqar said.
It was surprising that the chief minister, who was the chief guest at IPL matches played at Dharamsala in 2005, has taken a divergent stand this time, Thakur said.
On whether Pakistani players would be distracted by the drama that preceded their arrival, Afridi said: “I think it’s nothing special”.
Advertisement
Shandilya also said that the ATFI activists will be launching agitation across Kolkata at various places including the Eden Gardens, team hotels and airport from March 14 onwards.
