Pakistan given government green light for World T20

Pakistan’s government has given the go ahead for the nation’s cricket team to take part in the World Twenty20, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Shaharyar Khan has revealed.

Earlier this month, Shaharyar cast doubt on Pakistan’s involvement in the limited-overs tournament that starts in India next month due to concerns over the safety of players.

However, Shaharyar now says the team has been given permission to play after the PCB sought extra security measures.

“I am pleased that our government has given its consent for our team to visit India,” Khan said.

“As a duty of care, we have asked the ICC to put in place special arrangements for the Pakistan cricket team while in India.

“We will also be expecting visa facilitation and other arrangements for the Pakistani fans wishing to visit India for the ICC World T20.”

Pakistan’s first match of the tournament is against a qualifier on March 16, before they face hosts India in Dharamsala three days later.