ICC World Twenty20: Pakistan seek security assurance

Islamabad: The Pakistan Cricket Board wants security assurance from India before it allows the team to travel to the World Twenty20 with its first group match in Kolkata next Wednesday.

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan briefed the team players and officials in Lahore on Thursday and was hopeful the Indian government will publicly guarantee the Pakistan team's safety during the tournament.

"He (Khan) was hopeful that the security assurance would be given and the information pertaining to the security situation will be furnished to the government of Pakistan for their further directions in this regard," PCB said in a statement. Khan told the players the team's departure will only be possible once India gives security assurance and the government of Pakistan also clears the tour.

"In case, the government allows travel to India, the team should focus on the game and demonstrate a high level of discipline and commitment," Khan told the players.

The ICC has already moved Pakistan's group match against hosts India to Kolkata on March 19 due to security concerns around playing in the hill city of Dharamsala.

The Pakistan team was originally scheduled to fly out to Kolkata from Lahore on Wednesday. Despite the switch in venue for the match against India, the PCB deferred the team's departure until the Indian government publicly guarantees the security of the Pakistan team.