Pakistan threaten to pull out of World T20 2016

In light of the latest issue over the shifting of the venue for the Indo-Pak cricket match, the Pakistan cricket board (PCB) has threatened to pull out of the tournament entirely. In spite of the BCCI promising complete security for the visitors, the PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan remains skeptical.

Vidharba Singh, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh had earlier written to the Home Minister of the state saying that providing security for the visiting Pakistan side would not be possible. The letter also stated that the move to keep the match at Dharamsala would hurt the sentiments of the kins of the martyrs of the 1999 Kargil War. The fixture is scheduled to take place on the 19th of March.

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 also stated that they could withdraw from the tournament should the Indian government oversee the major security issue.

“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.

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.”

Shahrayar added that the comments made by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister have been highly discouraging.

“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.”

“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.”