Ind-Pak World T20 game to go on as per schedule: Shukla

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India-Pakistan World T20 game to go on as per schedule: Rajeev Shukla

Amidst growing concerns over the fate of the India-Pakistan ICC World T20 2016 league match, scheduled to be held on March 19, in Dharamsala, Rajeev Shukla, senior Board of Control for Cricket in India functionary, has ruled out any change of venue. He has also categorically stated that the match will take place as per schedule and at the same ground.

"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 interests 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," Shukla, who is also the Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman, said on March 4 (Friday).

Virbhadra Singh, the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, who also belongs to the same political party (Congress) as that of Rajeev Shukla, had earlier cast aspersions on hosting the much-hyped contest. He had reasoned that the recent terrorist attacks at the Pathankot air base, which claimed many lives, had left ex-servicemen and the families of soldiers martyred an aggrieved lot and it wasn't feasible hosting an India-Pakistan match under those circumstances.

Contrary to the chief minister's statements, Anurag Thakur, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) President, who is also a secretary in the BCCI, had asserted that while an India-Pakistan bilateral match wasn't feasible under the prevailing political atmosphere, it was imperative that Dharamsala fulfills its obligations to the ICC World T20, as the pride and prestige of the nation were at stake.

Shukla has also promised foolproof security to the Pakistan team during the entire course of the tournament. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Shahryar Khan, had demanded written clarity on the security aspects from the Indian government - failing which, Pakistan reserved its right to boycott the tournament.

"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 (International Cricket Council). The PCB should decide on the matter but we will be providing foolproof security to their players," Shukla said.

The World T20 is due to kick-off on March 8 with eight nations battling to secure the final two qualifying spots ahead of the tournament proper - which starts with India facing New Zealand, on March 15 in Nagpur.


India-Pakistan World T20 game to go on as per schedule: Rajeev Shukla - Cricbuzz

 

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Dave Richardson confident of Pakistan's participation in T20 WC



Much to the delight of cricket fans, Dave Richardson, International Cricket Council's (ICC) Chief Executive Officer, sounded confident that Pakistan will not pull out of the upcoming T20 WC in India.

Earlier, there was confusion after Virbhadra Singh, the Himachal Pradesh chief minister, admitted that his government was finding it difficult to provide security for the India-Pakistan clash in Dharamsala, scheduled to be played on March 19.

This prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to say that they would pull out of the tournament if the Indian government fails to clear the air regarding the security situation. However, with Richardson coming out with positive statements, things seem to be under control.
"Pakistan won't pull out of T20 WC. We are confident that the matches will proceed in respective venues," said Richardson, addressing a press conference on the eve of the tournament in New Delhi on Monday (March 7).

There were also reports that Feroz Shah Kotla's T20 WC games could be shifted to Nagpur and Bangalore, but Richardson confirmed that the ICC, as of now, has no plans of shifting the games out of Dharamsala and Delhi respectively.

"The venues were decided a year back and all arrangements are in place to stage the matches at those two venues," he said. "These challenges have reasons not through the fault of the BCCI or the ICC. But the fact is that we are dealing with these and we are confident that the matches will proceed at those two venues."

The 56-year-old stressed that necessary steps are being taken to address all the issues. "The Indian government has shown a commitment to make sure that adequate security measures are in place at all the venues for all the teams," acknowledged Richardson. "I can assure you that the BCCI and PCB are communicating, as is the ICC with both parties.

"We will make sure we do everything were can to make sure the event takes place at a safe and secure environment."

A team from Pakistan reached India on Monday to assess the security arrangements in Dharamsala. The team would submit a report to the Pakistani government, post which a final call will be taken regarding its team's participation in the multi-nation tournament.

Anurag Thakur, the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) secretary, who was also present at the press meet, expressed his wish to stage the India-Pakistan game in Dharamsala, but maintained that he would comment only after the security team comes out with its report. "Let the meeting between BCCI, PCB and ICC take place," he said. "Let the Pakistan security team give a report, then we (BCCI) can comment on that.
"I hope the match is played in Dharamsala. Security is up to the state government. Security in today's world is a concern, but we are ready to give foolproof security to all teams."
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