It seems that the drama surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the ICC World T20 on Indian soil has finally come to an end after Nawaz Sharif’s government gave the all-clear on Friday. In what should soothe the minds of cricket lovers across the world, the Deccan Chronicle reported that all the players unanimously wanted to travel to India for the upcoming 20-overs extravaganza.
Shaharyar Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, has revealed that his cricketers were given the option to pull out of the tournament. However, Shahid Afridi’s side quashed the possibility by expressing their eagerness to visit their neighbours.
Khan stated, “I told them if any of them had any reservations they should inform me or the manager Intikhab Alam. My point was that if any player felt he would not able to focus on cricket in India in given circumstances he can withdraw from the squad.”
The seasoned diplomat was also confident about the security measures which will be provided to the Pakistan players. He affirmed, “I have spoken to Ganguly who is an old friend of mine and he, as well as the police force, have assured me of security for the Pakistan team.”
Backing the Indian crowd to give a warm welcome to the Pakistani team, the 81-year old asserted, “I am very happy that the team is going to India and although there might be some minor incidents but we are sure the security of our team will be top notch.”
Confirming that the players would arrive in India on Saturday evening, Khan also hoped that the warm-up match against Sri Lanka will be enough to provide some much-needed practice to his team before the start of the tournament.
Shaharyar reasoned, “Unfortunately due to these issues the team can play only one warm-up match against Sri Lanka instead of the schedule two as they will reach Kolkata tomorrow since they will take an indirect flight.”
Pakistan were earlier scheduled to play two practice matches including one against a Bengal side at the Jadavpur University Complex. However, due to their late departure, the warm-up fixture against the Sri Lankan team will have to suffice.
The ‘Green Shirts’ will have Eden Gardens as their base and would begin their campaign against a qualifier before taking on India at the same venue on 19 March.
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