Pakistan have to decide if they want to play in Dharmasala: BCCI

“As far as the match is concerned, we are firm that we will be hosting the match there (Dharamsala) as per schedule because there areinterest 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,” said Shukla, the Indian Premier League chairman, as reported by the Hindustan Times.

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh on Tuesday had expressed the state government’s inability to provide security to the Pakistan cricket team for the marquee clash against India on March 19. Virbhadra Singh reiterated his stand yesterday and said that the government will think about providing security if the martyrs’ families do not oppose it.

With the uncertainty surrounding the match increasing day by day, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan had threatened to pull out of the World T20 and asked the Indian government to publicly acknowledge their participation in the tournament.

When asked about the PCB chief’s threat and seeking written assurance from the BCCI and the Indian government, Rajeev Shukla said that the cricket governing body will provide foolproof security to all teams including Pakistan for the tournament, which starts on March 8.

“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 (world body). The PCB should decide on the matter but we will be providing foolproof security to their players,” Shukla said.