Pakistan ready to pull out of World T20 unless India give assurance in public
It seems that the drama surrounding the much-hyped clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in Dharamsala is never ending. It has been reported the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is threatening to pull out of the ICC World T20 in India unless their neighbours issue a public statement assuring foolproof security.
Amidst protests by the kin of ex-servicemen in the picturesque town of Dharamsala, there are still question marks lingering over the high-octane contest between the Asian giants. Despite the BCCI pledging complete security to the visitors, the PCB’s stance could complicate the keenly expected tussle which is scheduled to take place on March 19.
PCB Shaharyar Khan affirmed, “We have told the ICC that there is only one step that the Indian government needs to take and that is to issue a public statement that they are ready to welcome Pakistan and ensure full security for our team, which hasn't come as yet.”
The 81-year old continued, “We have already been given permission (to travel) and we want to come, but we need reassurance and they should give a statement that will create a sense of security among us. I spoke to the BCCI and they are giving us a private assurance, claiming that it's all about internal politics, nothing else, and that Pakistan should come.”
Khan claimed that they could even consider withdrawing from the tournament if the government of India does not address their concerns.
“But a public statement is important and it should come, as there are threats and we can see them. We have written to the ICC that they should come forward and we've asked the Indian government to assure us and give a statement,” he said.
The Bhopal-born former diplomat believed, “If they won't give the statement, then I see it's very difficult to go to India. There is no deadline in making the decision but we will have to monitor till the end and can even pull out at the eleventh hour.”
Reacting to the views of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Khan asserted, “We have concerns and the threats are Pakistan-specific. Even now, the Himachal Pradesh chief minister has also said that they will not guarantee the security. We have been informing the ICC on a daily basis about these threats which is not encouraging for us.”
Keeping a close eye on the events unfurling in India, he said, “Although our government has already given permission, these latest threats need to be taken seriously. Political parties like Shiv Sena (threatened us), now even the Congress has also said they will not let us play along with some other groups. Those are the ones creating agitation.”