Still no tickets for ICC World Twenty20

PCB chief Shaharyar Khan had earlier stated that a proposal was sent to play their World T20 matches on neutral venues if Islamabad does not allow the team to tour India.

India is scheduled to host the mega-event from March 8 to April 3.

“We have told the ICC the decision is with the government and it’s not just us who have to decide”, Khan said on Tuesday.

“We need to understand that there are specific Pakistan-oriented security threats and we are concerned, hence [we have] involved the government”.

“All ICC events are marketed with a list of participating teams”.

Meanwhile, the BCCI secretary Thakur has insisted that India would organise the event in the best possible manner and provide adequate security to all the teams including Pakistan.

National Selection Panel on Wednesday named the 15-man South Africa squad to compete at the ICC World Twenty20 to be played in India next month. In the aftermath of the protests, two former Pakistani cricketers on commentary duties and umpire Aleem Dar, returned to Pakistan early.

When government has given permission to 471-member contingent for the SAG games in India, I don’t see any reason why 25-member cricket contingent can’t go to the same country for a cricket tourney, said the official.

The 41-year-old said that the BCCI had successfully organised many major tournaments in the past, adding that it was entirely up to Pakistan to decide whether they wanted to play the World T20 in India or not. The selectors have also inducted uncapped left-arm pacer Rumman Raees and rookie all-rounder Muhammad Nawaz, besides recalling Test opener Khurrum Manzoor, who has never played in a T20 worldwide for Pakistan.

“The T20 team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions during Asia cup and World T20 and the recent performances of some players in domestic and A Team tours”.

It has been five years since India last hosted a World Cup but the problems still galore for the fans of the biggest cricket market regarding the ticket sales.

The row reached the Delhi High Court this week with the Delhi District Cricket Association granted a 20-day deadline to complete the work or the games will be moved, warning that they can not be played in “unsafe circumstances”. India is prepared for the World T20 and the BCCI will arrange the occasion nicely and will provide security to everybody. A staggering difference, a near 80% reduction.

In 2012, Sri Lanka offered World T20 tickets six months before the event.