BCCI's Thakur tells PCB to stop searching for excuses

BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur on Friday took potshots at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the delay in sending the national cricket squad for the World T20 to be held in India, saying the decision to play in multinational tournament is taken by the ICC.

"You have to play according to the ICC's decision in multinational tournament, where about 26 nations are participating. The Indian Government's decision will be important in case of bilateral series between the two nations. In multinational tournament like the World Cup, you cannot say that they do not want to play," Thakur told ANI in Ahmedabad.

The 45-year-old reiterated that the board would provide adequate security to all the nations visiting the country to play the T20 mega event.

Thakur continued his tirade against Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, saying it was due to his irresponsible comments that Pakistan got the opportunity to question India's ability to provide security.

"Pakistan was earlier ready to visit the country. It was because of the irresponsible statements of Himachal CM that the Pakistani team has got excuses to blame India. I want to request Pakistan to stop searching for excuses and come to play in the country," insisted Thakur.

Earlier today, PCB chief Shaharyar Khan said that the board had got the assurance of foolproof security to their team from the Indian Government and the BCCI, adding that they were now waiting for Interior Minister's decision on the matter.

On Wednesday, the International Cricket Council decided to shift the venue for the World T20 clash between India and Pakistan, to be played on March 19, from Dharamsala to Kolkata's EdenGardens due to security concerns.

The decision was taken after the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister expressed his aversion to the match in his state after the ex-servicemen and families of slain army officials opposed to stage an event involving Pakistan in the wake of the recent Pathankot terror attacks.