ICC World Twenty20: Board of Control for Cricket in India Firm on Hosting India vs Pakistan Match in Dharamsala, Says Rajeev Shukla

Senior Board of Control for Cricket in India functionary Rajeev Shukla has assured Pakistan Cricket Board that security will be 'foolproof' when they come to India for the ICC World Twenty20 tournament starting on March 8. (ICC World Twenty20: Worried Pakistan Cricket Board Wants India to Make 'Public Statement' on Security)

The PCB is threatening to withdraw from the tournament after the Himachal Pradesh state government refused to provide security for the March 19 blockbuster between India and Pakistan in Dharamsala. (World T20: Pakistan Mull Pullout After Dharamsala Impasse, BCCI Promises Security For March 19 Tie vs India).

The ICC has so far issued no statement on the Dharamsala crisis that surfaced only earlier this week. Indications are that the World Twenty20 match will be played as scheduled because it an international event and not a bilateral game between India and Pakistan, who have a volatile political relationship

On Friday, Shukla, who is the chairman of the Indian Premier League, said: "As far as the match is concerned, we are firm that we will be hosting the match there (Dharamsala) as per schedule because there are interest of commitments which requires to be fulfilled." (Board of Control for Cricket in India Hopeful of India-Pakistan World Twenty20 Match in Dharamsala)

Shukla added: "The ICC will take a stern action against the venue (if the match falls through). The state government is also willing to cooperate." On Thursday, BCCI secretary and BJP MP Anurag Thakur said the match will be played as scheduled and the Virbhadra Singh-led Congress government will provide security needed.

However, PCB chairman Shahryar Khan wanted the Indian government to issue a "public statement" on security to Pakistan players.

Khan told reporters in Lahore on Thursday: "We have told the ICC that there is only one step that the Indian government needs to take and that is to issue a public statement that they are ready to welcome Pakistan and ensure full security for our team, which hasn't come as yet."

Shukla said the ball was now in Pakistan's court. "We will be providing foolproof security to the Pakistan cricket team. All the players will be safe. Now, it is for Pakistan cricket board to take a decision."