ICC World Twenty20: BCCI to provide security to Pakistan
Board Honorary Secretary says it is impossible to change venue in the last hour.
New Delhi: The BCCI on Friday assured foolproof security to Pakistan for the ICC World Twenty20 in India, a day after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threatened to pull out of the mega event citing safety concerns.
Asked about PCB chief Shaharyar Khan seeking written assurance from the BCCI and the Indian government, senior Board official and IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla said foolproof security will be provided to all teams including Pakistan for the event starting March 8.
"As far as the BCCI is concerned, foolproof security will be provided to Pakistan. They should not worry about the security arrangements. Now the decision has to be taken by the PCB (if they want to come or not). They are accountable to the ICC (world body). The PCB should decide on the matter but we will be providing foolproof security to their players," Shukla asserted here on Friday.
On PCB seeking a written assurance from the Indian government, Shukla said "how can we talk on behalf of the government?"
A cloud also hangs over the marquee match between India and Pakistan in Dharamsala on March 19 with Himachal Pradesh's ex-servicemen protesting against the game in the wake of the Pathankot terror attacks in January.
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.
"I have spoken to the HP CM and he has assured us of putting all the necessary arrangements in place," he said.
On the protests by ex-servicemen in the state, Shukla added: "We sympathise with the protesters and that is why on bilateral matches with Pakistan, we have not taken any decision. But this is a world event. Because of the humongous logistical challenge, it is difficult to change the venue now".