Citing the storming of the BCCI’s headquarters in Mumbai by Shiv Sena activists to protest against the proposed India-Pakistan cricket series, ICC President Zaheer Abbas on Tuesday said he feared for Pakistan players’ security during the World T20 to be held in India next year.
The much-anticipated talks between BCCI President Shashank Manohar and his Pakistan counterpart Shaharyar Khan were cancelled on Monday after the Shiv Sena protested against a possible India-Pakistan series in the UAE in December.
“Pakistan and India cricket authorities must work it out, otherwise I fear the Pakistan players could also refuse to tour India for the upcoming World T20 Cup, citing security concerns,” former Test captain Abbas told a news channel.
“I don’t know what the environment will be when the World T20 is held in India but if this situation persists, obviously there will be extra pressure on our players,” he added.
The Twenty20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in India in March-April.
A three-member delegation of the PCB -- Khan, the chairman of the Executive Committee Najam Sethi and chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad -- are presently in India to meet the BCCI officials on India-Pakistan cricketing ties.
{{/usCountry}}A three-member delegation of the PCB -- Khan, the chairman of the Executive Committee Najam Sethi and chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad -- are presently in India to meet the BCCI officials on India-Pakistan cricketing ties.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier, Abbas told Pakistani media that politics and sports should be kept apart and the arch-rivals should play at a neutral venue in December to help reduce tensions between the two countries.