Pakistan’s participation in the high-profile World Twenty20 cricket event continued to be shrouded in suspense with the country’s Government refusing to clear the team’s departure unless India provides written assurance of security.
“We are not in a position to give clearance right now. The threats are Pakistan specific. It is our responsibility that our players do not face any kind of pressure when they play... Unless we get written assurance from the (Indian) government, we will not allow our team to travel to India,” Pakistan’s Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan told reporters.
“How can cricket be played amid threats... Eden Gardens has a capacity of one lakh, what if stone comes from any side. We are just demanding an even playing field,” he added, referring to the marquee clash against India on March 19 which was shifted from Dharamsala to Kolkata due to security concerns.
Amid the continuing logjam, the Indian government said all necessary arrangements are always made for major sporting events, citing the recent South Asian Games which were held without a hitch in Assam last month.
“I would like to draw your attention to the fact that all necessary arrangements, including those for security have been made in the past for all international sporting events organised in India,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swaroop said on Thursday in New Delhi.
“Recently as you are aware, the South Asian Federation Games saw good and enthusiastic participation of all contingents from all SAF countries, including Pakistan. We are confident that the ICC World T20 will also be a resounding success in all aspects,” he said.
The ICC has already stated that the onus is on Pakistan to send the team since their apprehensions have been addressed.
“We have done the best possible security arrangements and if they do not come now, we will have to take the legal route. It will be very unjustified, if they do not come,” he said.
Pakistan Cricket Board’s Media Director Amjad Hussain said that the team will stay put in the National Cricket Academy in lahore till the time the issue is resolved.
“As the Interior Minister very clearly said that we want explicit assurance from the Indian government. I see no problem in them giving an assurance as they are the host country. It’s their responsibility, the ball is very much in the Indian government’s court,” Hussain said.
India to issue multi-city visas to Pak fans for T20 matches
India, meanwhile, will issue multi-city short- term visas to Pakistani cricket fans willing to watch their team play during the forthcoming World Twenty20 tournament, including a high-voltage rescheduled match against the hosts in Kolkata.
“We are willing to issue multi-city visa if Pakistani fans have tickets and accommodation for all cities in which Pakistan is going to play,” a senior Home Ministry official said.
The travel document will be issued when the Pakistani spectators furnish tickets of matches, return tickets for road or rail or air transport and accommodation bookings.
Even through number of visas were earlier restricted to 250 per venue, Home Ministry is willing to issue additional visas if more Pakistanis apply for the travel document.
The period of visa will also depend on tickets of how many matches one can furnish.
India has relaxed rules by exempting Pakistani fans aged above 65 years from reporting before a police station.
“The current visa policy for Pakistani spectators is more liberal than before,” the official said.
Those fans who got visas for Dharamshala will have to approach Indian missions in Pakistan again as the venue has been changed. The match will now be played in Kolkata.
However, the official indicated that the number of visas will be increased if the team reaches semi-finals or final.