Green light: Pakistan team gets all clear for World T20

KARACHI:

The Pakistan government on Thursday gave the country's cricket team permission to play next month's World T20 in India after fears they might withdraw due to alleged security threats.

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 announced it had 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 Shaharyar. “As a duty of care, we have asked the International Cricket Council 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.”

The sixth edition of the World T20 will be held in India from March 8 to April 3.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 26^th,  2016.