ICC World Twenty20: PCB assured of adequate security

Dharamsala: ICC World Twenty20 director MV Sridhar on Tuesday revealed that the Pakistan security team has assessed the security measures taken in Dharamsala, adding that they have been categorically assured by the district administration that ample security would be provided to the players during the much-awaited clash against India on March 19.

Sridhar revealed that the PCB security team, which assessed the security measures taken in India for the safety of their players, had inspected the venue and also had a discussion with the BCCI and tournament officials.

"The PCB delegations visited Dharamsala yesterday. There they have seen the entire premises. They have engaged with us (BCCI) and the tournament officials and the local officials of the HPCA (Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association) also. After that, we have had the conversation with the district administrative officials, which includes the District Commissioner and the Inspector General of Police. We have met all of them and they have given their feedback," he told the media here.

The tournament director said that both the district administration and the police have assured to take appropriate measures for the security of any team which visits the state, adding that the information in this regard had been clearly communicated to the Pakistani delegation.

"The outcome is that the district administration has very clearly categorically stated that they are committed to giving complete security, not only for India vs Pakistan match, but for all the matches which are going to be held in Dharamsala. That's the commitment given by both sides- the administration and the police security side. So, that has been clearly communicated to the Pakistani delegation," Sridhar insisted.

Sridhar said that he was optimistic that the World T20 match between India and Pakistan would be held in the scheduled venue Dharamsala.

"I am more than hopeful on behalf of the BCCI and on the behalf of the tournament that whatever the actual status on the ground has been communicated to the PCB team. And now the decision is with them. Obviously, they will also consult their own government, High Commission, based on that they will come back to us," he added.

A two-member PCB security delegation comprising senior director of the Federal Investigation Agency Usman Anwar and Col. Azam from the Ministry of Interior arrived in India yesterday to assess the situation ahead of the Dharamsala T20.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had hinted that the centre was ready to provide paramilitary forces after Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh expressed his inability to provide security after the ex-servicemen and families of slain army officials opposed to the match involving Pakistan in the wake of the recent Pathankot terror attacks.

The Pakistan security team will now submit their report to the PCB and Pakistani Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan before the cricket team is cleared to travel to India.