BCCI should speak to martyrs' families about India-Pak match: Himachal CM

03/03/2016

Anurag Thakur has claimed that the upcoming World T20 match between India and Pakistan will go ahead as per the schedule on March 19 in Dharamsala. However, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said that the government will provide security if the martyrs' families do not oppose it.

"As far as BCCI is concerned, the India vs Pakistan match is on schedule in Dharamsala," the BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said in a press conference on Thursday, as reported by Zee News.

Earlier, the Congress state government of Himachal Pradesh had urged the BCCI to cancel the match and shift it to another venue, as hosting the match would hurt the sentiments of the Kargil War martyrs' families who reside in Kangra. According to India TV, Virbhadra Singh had sent a written statement to the Home Minister confirming the government's inability to provide security to the touring Pakistani team.

Anurag Thakur blamed the state government of politicizing a cricketing issue and held a meeting with Virbhadra Singh to find a resolution. However, the Himachal Chief Minister insisted that the BCCI should seek permission from the families of the martyrs.

“I told him that the government was fully competent to provide necessary security to the players, but he should go and talk to the families of martyrs and ex-servicemen body. If they have no problem and agree not to oppose the match, the government will not have any issue. Ball is in Anurag Thakur’s court.

"Himachal Pradesh government will speak to the people who have raised concerns over the India vs Pakistan match in Dharamsala," Virbhadra Singh said.