Summary PCB will make final announcement after the press conference of ICC.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Federal Interior Ministry on Wednesday barred Pakistani team to play World Twenty20 until India gives security assurance. Even though a decision was made by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift the venue to the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, however in a new turn of events, a severe reaction is also being seen on this move, as the Indian Hindu extremist party "Anti-terrorist Front" has threatened to disrupt the match in this new venue as well.
The Pakistani side was still not satisfied with the arrangements due to continuous warnings from Indian extremists as they threatened to dig out the pitch if green shirts play at Dharamshala Stadium.
According to sources, the ministry has clarified that the team will depart for India only after security is assured from higher authorities while Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will make final announcement in a while.
Earlier, Chaudhary Nisar met Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif and presented security team’s report regarding safety arrangements in India for World Twenty20 tie due on March 19.
The report said that the national team can face difficulties at Dharamshala due to threats.
On the other hand, the marquee India-Pakistan match was also likely to be shifted to the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata as PCB had sent a letter to the ICC, citing to shift the encounter from Dharamshala.
"I have sent an email to the ICC that if Dharamshala has a problem hosting Pakistan-India World T20 game, the match should be played either in Mohali or Kolkata. The board is also open to the idea of playing it elsewhere as long as the safety and security of the Pakistani cricketers is taken care of," said chief Shaharyar Khan.
Pakistan was scheduled to play against India on March 19 in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. There has been some opposition in the state, including from ex-servicemen, on holding the match at the hill station. Pakistan will also play two matches in Mohali, Punjab - against New Zealand on March 22 and against Australia on March 25.
