ICC World T20 2016: Nawaz Sharif to take final call on Pakistan team departure to India

As the uncertainity over Pakistan‘s departure to India for the ongoing ICC World T20 2016 continued to loom large, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials on Friday met in Islamabad to asses the security assurances given by the Indian governemnt in New Delhi. However, with sources coming reveling at present, the final call regarding the departure of the Pakistan team to the host nation for the tournament, is to be taken by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who would be returning on Friday evening, following a two-day visit from Saudi Arabia, reported NDTV. Initially, the high-profile Indo-Pak tie of the tournament was also shifted from Dharamsal to Kolkata citing security fears. Full Cricket Scorecard: India vs Pakistan, ICC World T20 2016, Match 19 at Kolkata

Speking on the security issue, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, “Anyone coming to India will be provided security. There is no doubt about it.” However, Pakistan Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said, “All of Pakistan wants the teams to travel to India for the tournament, but “the threats are Pakistan specific. It is our responsibility that our players do not face any kind of pressure when they play…Unless we get written assurance from the Indian government, we will not allow our team to travel to India.” ICC T20 World Cup 2016: Pakistan not to participate till ‘foolproof security’ assured

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“How can cricket be played amid threats… Eden Gardens [in Kolkata] has a capacity of one lakh, what if a stone comes from any side. We are just demanding an even playing field,” he added. On the other hand, PCB chief Shahryar Khan said to NDTV, “We want to go, we want to play – whenever the permissions come through, we’ll go, even if it is on the eve of the match”.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup too said on the issues, “All necessary arrangements including those for security have been made in the past for all international sporting events organised in India…We are confident that the ICC World T20 will also be a resounding success in all aspects.” Sources have also revealed that Pakistan’s High Commission requested the External Affairs Ministry to meet Rajnath Singh. BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said, “If Pakistan wants an excuse that’s a different thing. But India is fully committed to provide adequate security to all teams.”