New Delhi: India government snubbed Pakistan for demanding 'written security assurance' of its players during the ICC World Twenty20 event.
Even after the venue of the high-profile clash between India and Pakistan was changed from Dharamsala to Eden Gardens, Pakistan government and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seem reluctant to send their men and women teams to India for the marquee event.
While talking about Pakistan's demand of 'written assurance', Union MoS for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju asked Times Now “Why to give written assurance to Pakistan?”
Earlier in the day, Pakistan's government refused to clear the team's departure to India unless they were provided with a 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 had 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.
The ICC has already stated that the onus is on Pakistan to send the team since their apprehensions have been addressed.
(With PTI inputs)
