WT20 in India: Nisar links trip to security; BCCI optimistic

ISLAMABAD:  Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Thursday telephoned chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Shahryar Khan and discussed Pakistan’s security concerns to the national cricket team during its visit to India for World T20.

In a statement issued here, the interior minister said Pakistan team would not be allowed to visit India until foolproof security is provided by India.

In this regard, the minister added that he will present a report before the prime minister tomorrow (Friday).

India will host the ICC World Twenty20 from March 8 to April 3 but Pakistan’s participation is subject to government clearance as there are specific security threats to Pakistani team.

BCCI optimistic about Dharamshala encounter

Meanwhile, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Anurag Thakur has said that the board was optimistic that the India-Pakistan World T20 match in Dharamshala on March 19 will take place without any hurdles.

Speaking to the Indian media after a meeting with Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh, Thakur said he was positive that the state government would fulfill its commitment of holding the much-awaited match peacefully.

“I am very hopeful [of the match taking place]. The meeting was held in a very positive atmosphere. The state government will also try and speak to those who have raised concerns,” he said.

“I am very hopeful of a positive outcome. The state government have to announce that the match is on. From the BCCI’s side, the match is on,” Thakur added– APP/Geo