The timing of the security delegation’s visit will be determined by the government, in consultation with the foreign and interior ministries, following the appointment of the new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board after the conclusion of the Eid holidays.
“The security delegation will go with representation from the PCB to inspect the venues where Pakistan will play and also the security and other arrangements made for them in the World Cup,” he said.The delegation is expected to visit World Cup venues in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium is scheduled to host the most awaited India-Pakistan clash on October 15.
“Before any tour to India it is standard practice for the cricket board to seek permission from the government which normally sends a delegation to India,” the official said.
“The delegation will interact with the officials there and discuss and inspect with them the security and other arrangements for our players, officials, fans and media, who will go for the tournament,” he said.
He said if the delegation feels it would be better for Pakistan to play at some other venue instead of a designated one, it will mention that in its report.
“The PCB will share the report with the ICC and BCCI if the delegation has any concerns,” he added.
A source in the PCB confirmed that when last time Pakistan went to India for the T20 World Cup, the government had sent a joint delegation to the inspect the venues.
“It was on the recommendation of the delegation that Pakistan’s match at Dharamsala against India was moved to Kolkata.”
The source maintained that Pakistan’s final confirmation of participation in the World Cup would only be announced when the government gives clearance to the PCB.
“This is not unusual and it is standard procedure for all tours to India. Even in other sports the respective national federations have to get clearance from the government to send their teams to India for any competition.”
(AI image)
The Pakistan Hockey Federation is currently awaiting clearance to send its team to participate in the Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place in Chennai in August. Pakistan’s national football team recently participated in the SAFF Championship in Bengaluru, but only received last-minute approval from the government bodies.
The ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held across ten Indian cities and begins on October 5, with the final to be played on November 19.
(With PTI inputs)
