The editorial noted that a lot has been said about the security situation in Pakistan when it comes to cricket. “It would be good if people do not come forward in support of holding India-Pakistan T20 WC match here (in Maharashtra)”, it said.
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ICC T20 World Cup will be played between March 8 to April 3.
The Pakistan government had initially granted the PCB permission to play in India, but the board has chose to put the visit on hold until they are guaranteed foolproof security. Pakistan’s scheduled match against hosts India in Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh was at the center of controversy owing to statements from politicians and ministers that they would not allow the match to be held in the hill station.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ongoing Asia Twenty20 Cup in Bangladesh has compelled former captain Mohammad Yousuf to insist Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) include fast bowler Mohammad Asif and former captain Salman Butt in the T20 World Cup squad.
A day after BCCI secretary and BJP MP Anurag Thakur said he was hopeful of the match happening in the hill station following his meeting with Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Congressman Shukla too spoke to the CM of the Congress-ruled Himachal on the controversial matter.
He said the players were disappointed and downcast after the manner in which they lost a low scoring match to India. More worryingly for the team, Pakistan’s batting issues resurfaced in Bangladesh, with three wickets falling during the Powerplay in each game.
In a first of its kind Joint Operation code named Operation Mauka Mauka, ISI, PCB, Pakistan Army and official Pakistan Government have all come together to launch this surprise attack on Indian team with non-state cricketers in an attempt to clinch an elusive win.
BCCI president Shashank Manohar in a press conference while announcing the fixtures of ICC World T20.
But the BCCI and the Indian government on Friday sought to ease concerns over security, with Rajnath Singh stating that central para-military forces will be deputed to provide security during the match if the state administration is unable to do so. PCB has got a written assurance from BCCI for the following issue.
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Talking about today’s match, Chandimal said, “We were 10-15 short with the bat, that was the turning point in this game”.
