Pakistan says no withdrawal from World T20 in India

Pakistan will play its first match against a qualifier team in Kolkata on March 16, before taking on arch-rivals India in a high-profile game in Dharamsala three days later. It also plays New Zealand (March 22) and Australia (March 25) in the first round.

Published : Feb 25, 2016 16:46 IST , Karachi

India and Pakistan haven't played against each other since the 205 World Cup.
India and Pakistan haven't played against each other since the 205 World Cup.
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India and Pakistan haven't played against each other since the 205 World Cup.

Pakistan on Thursday gave permission to the country's cricket team to play next month's World Twenty20 in India after fears it might withdraw due to alleged security threats.

The 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. > Read: Najam Sethi: "We want a full "home" series

Rightwing 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 Thursday 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 Khan.

"As a duty of care, we have asked ICC 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 for the ICC World T20."

The sixth edition of the ICC (International Cricket Council) World Twenty20 will be held in India from March 8 to April 3.

Pakistan will play its first match against a qualifier team in Kolkata on March 16, before taking on arch-rivals India in a high-profile game in Dharamsala three days later. It also plays New Zealand (March 22) and Australia (March 25) in the first round.

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