Odisha clears Cuttack WC matches with Pak players

Unfazed by protests from various quarters, including a ruling BJD MP, the state government gave its nod to the Odisha Cricket Association to host the ICC women's World Cup matches involving players from Pakistan at Cuttack.

"We will ensure proper security for the players from Pakistan and see to it the international event conducted smoothly at Cuttack," Director General of Police (DGP), Prakash Mishra told reporters after OCA functionaries held discussion with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneshwar.

"It is not possible to debar Pakistani team as the tournament is being organised by ICC," Mishra added.

Earlier, the DGP had a meeting with OCA functionaries.

"Chief Minister has assured us that the government will make foolproof security arrangements for the teams including the one from Pakistan," said OCA president Ranjib Biswal, adding that he would like to appeal all to cooperate.

OCA secretary Asribad Behera said conducting such an international tournament would add to the glory of the state.

"We condemn Pakistani soldiers' act of beheading jawans of our country. But it should not affect sports," he said.

Supporting the OCA's effort to hold the tournament, BJD's Cuttack-Barabati MLA Debasis Samantray slammed BJP for politicising the matter. "If BJP people are so worried over the participation of Pakistani team, how come the BCCI comprising BJP leader Arun Jaitley as a functionary, allowed it to play in the country.