World T20: Pakistan to participate only after 'public assurance' by Indian Govt.

The cloud over Pakistan's participation in the World T20 turned murkier after Islamabad has asserted that no security has been assured by India and that they will participate in the series only after a 'public assurance' of absolute safety by New Delhi.

Pakistan Government sources told ANI that there are serious concerns over the safety of their players especially in Dharamsala and that no assurance has been given by the Indian government.

The sources added that they team will visit India only after a public assurance was given by the government.

However, tournament director M V Sridhar had said earlier that the much-anticipated match between India and Pakistan will be held as scheduled in Dharamsala.

"The match is on. The state and central governments are onboard and all security arrangements have been made," he said after a meeting with Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the home ministry M K Singla besides others here.

A two-member PCB security delegation comprising senior director of the Federal Investigation Agency Usman Anwar and Col. Azam from the Ministry of Interior arrived in India yesterday to assess the situation ahead of the Dharamsala T20.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had hinted that the centre was ready to provide paramilitary forces after Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh expressed his inability to provide security after the ex-servicemen and families of slain army officials opposed to the match involving Pakistan in the wake of the recent Pathankot terror attacks.