Citing the incident of Shiv Sena activists storming the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai protesting against the resumption of bilateral cricket series between the arch-rivals, the ICC President Zaheer Abbas on Monday said he feared for Pakistan players’ security during the World T20 in India next year.
The much-anticipated talks between BCCI president Shashank Manohar and his Pakistan counterpart Shahryar Khan was cancelled after Shiv Sena protested against a possible Ind-Pak series in UAE.
“Pakistan and India cricket authorities must work it out, otherwise I fear the Pakistan players could also refuse to tour India for the upcoming World T20 Cup, citing security concerns,” former Test captain Abbas said.
“I don’t know what the environment will be when the World T20 is held in India but if this situation persists, obviously there will be extra pressure on our players,” he added.
The Twenty20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in India in March-April.
ICC withdraws Aleem Dar from Ind-sa series
The ICC withdrew Pakistan umpire Aleem Dar from officiating in the remaining two matches of the ongoing one-day series between India and South Africa in the wake of Shiv Sena gheraoing Shashank Manohar forcing cancellation of talks.
"Under the present circumstances, it will be unreasonable to expect from Aleem that he will be able to perform his duties to the best of his abilities. As such, he has been withdraw and his replacement will be announced in due course," an ICC spokesman said. Also after the Sena thrreat Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar decide not to do commentary for 5th India-South Africa ODI.