Nisar links Pakistan team visit with Indian govt assurance

Speaking at a presser here, the interior minister said that late last night we received the security report regarding Pak-India tie in Dharamsala, while the Board of Cricket Control India (BCCI) also presented us with its stance in written.

“There was a consensus between the two reports that there was a security risk for the Pakistan team to play in Dharamsala,” he said.

“The other issue was that the threats issued so far have been Pakistan-specific,” he noted, demanding Indian officials to guarantee ‘fool-proof security’ to Pakistan players.

Nisar said if the Indian government fails to guarantee this, then unfortunately Pakistan will not be able to send its team to play World T20, despite the fact that everyone here wants their team to participate in the short-format world cricket event across the border.

He lamented threats, verbal attacks and misbehavior reported on media by Hindu extremists, since the Pakistan government decided to send its team to play the World T20.

“You tell me, how can cricket be played under such threats?” the minister asked addressing the news men. “It is our (government) responsibility to ensure that our players may not have to face not just security threats, but there should also not be any pressure on them.”

“Though, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and BCCI’s approach has been positive in this regard, yet it is Indian government’s job to ensure security of players,” he maintained.

“We demand nothing but an even playing field,” said the minister.