The Pakistan government has cleared the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to send the national team to India for next month's ICC World Twenty20, with board chairman Shahryar Khan saying that he would request the ICC to arrange for additional security details for Shahid Afridi's squad.
"I am pleased that our Government has given its consent for our team to visit India," Khan was quoted as saying. "As a duty of care, we have asked the ICC to put in place special arrangements for the Pakistan cricket team while in India. Will also be expecting visa facilitation and other arrangements for the Pakistani fans wishing to visit India for the ICC World T20."
There had been speculation over Pakistan's participation at the global event that runs from March 8 to April 3 across eight venues in India, with Khan fretting that the ICC would impose a fine on the team should it pull out. Earlier this month, Khan had confirmed that Pakistan's travel to India was entirely the decision of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Pakistan have been pooled in Super 10 Group 2 featuring India, Australia, New Zealand the winner of Group A of the qualifying round. Pakistan open their campaign against the qualifying team on March 16 at Eden Gardens, then play India in a marquee clash at Dharamsala on March 19. Three days later, they move to Chandigarh to face New Zealand and then on March 25 will play Australia at the same venue.
Pakistan have reached the final of the World Twenty20 twice, losing to India in a thriller during the inaugural edition in 2007 and then beating Sri Lanka at Lord's to claim the title in 2009.
