Amidst the growing uncertainty over the fate of the India-Pakistan clash in the forthcoming ICC World Twenty20, senior BCCI functionary Rajeev Shukla on Friday categorically said that the much-anticipated clash will be held in Dharamsala as scheduled on March 19.
“As far as the match is concerned, we are firm that we will be hosting the match there (Dharamsala) as per schedule because there are interest of commitments which requires to be fulfilled. Otherwise, the ICC will take a stern action against the venue. The state government is also willing to cooperate,” said Shukla, the Indian Premier League chairman.
Earlier, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had expressed his aversion to the Indo-Pak match in his state after the ex-servicemen and families of slain army officials opposed to stage a match involving Pakistan in the wake of the recent Pathankot attacks.
However, BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur asserted that a decision was taken that any bilateral match between India and Pakistan will not be held in Dharamsala following a meeting with the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister but the World T20 game must take place as the state and country’s image is at stake.
On Thursday, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan had threatened to pull out of the T20 format’s pinnacle event if they failed to get clarity about the security situation from the Indian government.
{{/usCountry}}On Thursday, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan had threatened to pull out of the T20 format’s pinnacle event if they failed to get clarity about the security situation from the Indian government.
{{/usCountry}}Asked about PCB chief Shaharyar Khan seeking written assurance from the BCCI and the Indian government, senior Board official and IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla said foolproof security will be provided to all teams including Pakistan for the event starting March 8.
“As far as the BCCI is concerned, foolproof security will be provided to Pakistan. They should not worry about the security arrangements. Now the decision has to be taken by the PCB (if they want to come or not). They are accountable to the ICC (world body). The PCB should decide on the matter but we will be providing foolproof security to their players,” Shukla said.