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'The problem of security is over and thank god that the match is taking place. I think the real issue was political and there were several threats directed towards Pakistan from India politically'
Bowled over by the hospitality given to the Pakistan cricket team in India, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shahryar Khan has said all security concerns prior to the side's arrival for the ICC World Twenty20 have ended.
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Bowled over by the hospitality given to the Pakistan cricket team in India, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shahryar Khan has said all security concerns prior to the side's arrival for the ICC World Twenty20 have ended.
Pakistan team's arrival for the mega-event was delayed by several days owing to security concerns of its government, forcing the cancellation of one of their practice matches and relocation of the marquee clash against India from Dharamsala to Kolkata.
"The problem of security is over and thank god that the match is taking place. I think the real issue was political and there were several threats directed towards Pakistan from India politically. There were groups making specific threats against Pakistan. I think it was fair for our government to look at all these threats because obviously they felt concerned," Khan told Times Now.
"Once we got the assurance from the Indian state, we had no hesitation in sending the team. The response was more than satisfactory and after we discussed what Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh had to say, we were quite clear and happy to go. Now I don't see any threat at all. We have been welcomed," he said.
Khan was also asked about the controversy triggered by Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi's comment that Pakistani players get more love in India than back home.
Khan said the issue was blown out of proportion and he trusts Afridi's intentions.
"He could have put it differently. People back home were not amused but it's all very minor. I am not going to comment on what other people say. I think the statement made by Afridi should be seen in perspective," he said.
"I fully support Afridi. I support him as captain," he added.
Pakistan team's arrival for the mega-event was delayed by several days owing to security concerns of its government, forcing the cancellation of one of their practice matches and relocation of the marquee clash against India from Dharamsala to Kolkata.
"The problem of security is over and thank god that the match is taking place. I think the real issue was political and there were several threats directed towards Pakistan from India politically. There were groups making specific threats against Pakistan. I think it was fair for our government to look at all these threats because obviously they felt concerned," Khan told Times Now.
"Once we got the assurance from the Indian state, we had no hesitation in sending the team. The response was more than satisfactory and after we discussed what Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh had to say, we were quite clear and happy to go. Now I don't see any threat at all. We have been welcomed," he said.
Khan was also asked about the controversy triggered by Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi's comment that Pakistani players get more love in India than back home.
Khan said the issue was blown out of proportion and he trusts Afridi's intentions.
"He could have put it differently. People back home were not amused but it's all very minor. I am not going to comment on what other people say. I think the statement made by Afridi should be seen in perspective," he said.
"I fully support Afridi. I support him as captain," he added.