Pak team gets go-ahead for World T20

Karachi, The Pakistan government on Thursday allowed its cricket team to participate in next month’s World T20 in India but has requested “special security arrangements” for the side during the event. Ending weeks of speculation on the matter, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan said the government had given the approval to travel for the tournament. “I am pleased that our government has given its consent for our team to visit India. We have asked the ICC to put in place special arrangements for the Pakistan cricket team while in India,” Khan said in a press release.
The PCB had said it would only tour India for the ICC event if it got clearance from the government, claiming that there were “real threats” to Pakistani players in India. He had also confirmed if Pakistan pulled out of the World event, it would have to pay a penalty to the ICC. Pakistan will take on a qualifier on March 16 before facing off against India at Dharamsala on March 19 in the World T20’s most anticipated clash.
Hundreds of Pakistani fans are expected to travel for the fixture and the PCB chairman has requested the ICC to accommodate them. “We will also be expecting visa facilitation and other arrangements for the Pakistani fans wishing to visit India for the tournament,” he said.
Pak players say
It is a positive step forward in Indo-Pak relations. It was imperative for Pakistan to take part in the ICC event as we are an important part of the world cricket community mistake again. — Rashid Latif, former pak skipper
I went to India and I can tell you they left no stone unturned to ensure we got the best security and we faced no problems at all. As far as the Indian people are concerned they have always been hospitable and they will welcome the Pakistan team. — Danish Kaneria, former leg spinner
It is a good sign and it should be built upon. Cricket is necessary, it helps the teams improve their cricket and skills. — Mohsin Khan, former pak opener