The two teams have not played a full series since 2007, although Pakistan toured India in 2012 for a short limited-over series, it failed to revive the cricketing ties.
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He also told Cricinfo: “We have got the assurances we had wanted from India about the security around the Pakistan teams, and the good news for the fans is that Chaudhry Nisar has said the teams can travel to India”.
Pakistan will take part in the World Twenty20 after receiving security assurances from the Indian government. “But India is fully committed to provide adequate security to all teams”.
Pakistan had delayed their departure for neighbouring India earlier this week citing concerns about threats from Hindu religious extremists against the team.
“It is our responsibility that our players do not face any kind of pressure when they play”.
Pakistan teams will leave for Kolkata via Dubai, after a belated delay of almost 72 hours, to compete in the men and women’s World Twenty20 tournaments in India after Pakistani officials received “Solid Security Assurances” from Indian authorites. But Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju said that he would not comment on any specific country or their demands but added that if any team deserved special security, the Indian government would be happy to look into that.
It seemed that supporters had forgotten about the national team’s embarrassing defeat at the recently-held Asia Cup, since they saw the team off with prayers and slogans.
The International Cricket Council, the game’s governing body, said on Wednesday it had been given assurances on security from all the Indian state authorities that are hosting matches.
Pakistan are in Group 2 with India, Australia, New Zealand and will also play against either Bangladesh or Oman in a bid to make it to the semifinal of the tournament.
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The 27-member Pskistan contingent comprising 15 players and a dozen officials and support staff were welcomed by Cricket Association of Bengal officials, with a large number of cheering cricket buffs waving to the visitors and calling out the players by their names. On the other hand, PCB chief Shahryar Khan said to NDTV, “We want to go, we want to play – whenever the permissions come through, we’ll go, even if it is on the eve of the match”.
