World T20: Pak finally gives green signal to Shahid Afridi's team

Hours after Pakistan's Ambassador to India met Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, Islamabad gave a given a green signal to the national cricket team for participation in the World T20 event.

Najam Sethi, the head of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Executive Committee, said the Pakistan High Commissioner in New Delhi had met the Indian Home Minister to discuss the matter and was satisfied with the security arrangements put in place.

The breakthrough came after the West Bengal state government issued a 'public guarantee' of security to Shahid Afridi-led side for their match in Kolkata.

Addressing the media in Lahore, PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said the team will leave for India tonight and will reach there tomorrow evening.

"Subsequently, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has also approved Pakistan's participation in the T20 World Cup," Dawn quoted Sethi as saying.

The Indian Home Minister earlier told the media in New Delhi that the government would provide adequate security to those visiting the nation.

The ICC has already moved Pakistan's group match against hosts India to Kolkata on March 19 due to security concerns in Dharamsala.

The first round of the World T20 started on Tuesday. The top eight-ranked nations, including Pakistan, will join the competition from the "Super 10" stage which begins on March 15.

Pakistan is due to play their opening match against a first-round qualifier in Kolkata on March 16.