But the Pakistan government impels Indian authorities to speak up.
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He said these threats were Pakistan-specific and therefore, have to be taken seriously by Pakistan government.
As for BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), “whose lack of planning and foresight led to this unwanted situation, it is not going to be reprimanded by the ICC ” “.
Having successfully managed to convince the tournament organisers to shift the India-Pakistan game from politically-charged Dharamsala, the Pakistan government now wants an assurance from the Government of India on security of their teams.
It said that “the responsibility of making alternative arrangements for those fans – especially Pakistani – who had already made ticket purchases and hotel reservations also fall on BCCI ” .
Pakistan on Thursday ruled out the national cricket team’s departure to India to participate in the World T20 until New Delhi issues a public assurance on providing fool-proof security to the players.
“But the safety and security of the event is of paramount importance to the ICC and we have taken into consideration the concerns shared with us by our security advisors as well as Pakistan Cricket Board”, the ICC CEO said. He added, “I’ll be singing Sayonee at the Indian high commission in Islamabad & I’m sure they will issue us visas”. “In such circumstances how can we send our team to India”.
The match ran into trouble after the Himachal Pradesh government expressed its inability to provide security for the match.
But the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) insists that its teams (men and women) will not leave the country without an assurance. “We have concerns which are genuine and all we are seeking is an assurance from the Government”, Mr. Khan emphasised.
“We had to make this decision for safety and security reasons”.
“I would like to confirm that the ICC has been assured by all relevant state authorities that all adequate security measure are in place and will be implemented to ensure that the event is staged in a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders”, he said.
“Recently as you are aware, the South Asian Federation Games saw good and enthusiastic participation of all contingents from all South Asian countries, including Pakistan”, said the official spokesperson of the MEA.
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Meanwhile, reports emerged on Thursday afternoon that Pakistani team will fly out for India on Friday, as they were likely to get approval from their government.
