Finally, Pakistan cleared to travel to World T20

Pakistan have received the go-ahead to travel to India for the World Twenty20, easing fears over their participation in the tournament.

Earlier this week, the Super 10 fixture between Pakistan and India – scheduled for March 19 – was relocated from Dharamsala to Kolkata for security reasons.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) nevertheless delayed the departure of their men’s and women’s teams while they sought further assurances over security in India.

However, on Friday, the PCB confirmed necessary information had been received.

Najam Sethi, the chairman of the PCB’s executive committee, is quoted by ESPNCricinfo as saying: “[Pakistan interior minister] Chaudhry Nisar [Ali Khan] said that the government has received solid assurances from the Indian home ministry so we can send our teams to India.

“The team will be leaving for Dubai either tonight or tomorrow morning.”

Pakistan have been drawn in Group 2 for the Super 10 phase of the World T20, alongside India, Australia, New Zealand and a qualifying nation.

Waqar Younis’ side begin their campaign against the yet to be determined qualifier in Kolkata next Wednesday.