Addressing a press conference here, Chaudhry Nisar said Pakistan-specific threats were issued in India, therefore, the Indian government’s authorities should come forward and give fool-proof security assurance for Pakistani team in public. “If the Pakistan cricket team deserves special security, they will be provided with that”, Rijiju said. However, with sources coming reveling at present, the final call regarding the departure of the Pakistan team to the host nation for the tournament, is to be taken by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who would be returning on Friday evening, following a two-day visit from Saudi Arabia, reported NDTV.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shahryar Khan stated that his country’s government is yet to give its approval to its cricket team to travel to India as the Indian government has not yet given assurance on the security front. “We are just demanding an even playing field”, he added, referring to the marquee clash against India on March 19 which was shifted from Dharamsala to Kolkata due to security concerns.
Despite the change in venue, the Pakistan government wants India to state that the team and the travelling fans will be secure.
The PCB said the team will not travel until it receives further security guarantees. Despite the Indo-Pak match being shifted to Kolkata, the Pakistan Cricket Board has reiterated the team’s departure is on hold until an official assurance from the Indian government.
Unfazed by the move, the CM said that the decision to shift the match from Dharamsala to Kolkata was that of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and that he had no role to play in it.
If stats mean anything for the biggest game of World T20, Pakistan has a good track record against India at Eden Gardens: Out of 11 matches, they have won five, while five others were drawn and India won one. “We have made foolproof arrangements, it is our duty to provide security and Pakistan should have no doubts on that”. India-Pakistan meetings are always positive, he said when he was asked about his meeting with the Home Secretary. We will be getting in touch with them.
In the latest development to the long-drawn controversy pertaining to Pakistan’s participation in the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, the 2009 champions will reportedly leave for India today.
“Now, Pakistan should not insist on this particular thing that they want something on writing”.
Advertisement
The issue led to shifting of the India-Pakistan match from Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh to Kolkata.
