Pakistan confirmed for ICC World Twenty20 in India
Thursday 25 February 2016 17:11, UK
Pakistan have been granted permission by their government to play in next month's ICC World Twenty20 in India after fears they might withdraw due to alleged security threats.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan earlier this month raised doubts over the team's participation, saying there were specific threats from Hindu activists who forced the cancellation of a meeting between cricket officials from both countries in Mumbai last October.
Right-wing Hindu activists also forced the cancellation of Pakistani singer Ghulam Ali's concerts in Mumbai and Pune last year and disrupted a book launch event by former foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri.
But the PCB has received the green light after seeking extra security measures.
"I am pleased that our government has given its consent for our team to visit India," said Khan.
"As a duty of care, we have asked ICC to put in place special arrangements for the Pakistan cricket team while in India.
"We will also be expecting visa facilitation and other arrangements for the Pakistani fans wishing to visit India for the ICC World T20."
The sixth edition of the ICC World Twenty20 will be held in India from March 8 to April 3.
Pakistan will play their first match against a qualifier team in Kolkata on March 16, before taking on India in Dharamsala three days later.
They also play New Zealand (March 22) and Australia (March 25) in the group stage.
Watch the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 live on Sky Sports from 8th March.
