ICC World Twenty20: Pakistan government to decide participation within a week, says PCB

New Delhi: In few days' time, it will be known whether Pakistan will be participating in the upcoming ICC World twenty20 event to be held in India next month.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) claimed on Thursday that its government will decide on the participation within this week.

PCB media director Amjad Hussain stated that the board expects the government to decide on the matter and that they are well prepared in case a permission is given for the team to partcipate.

"We expect the government to decide on the matter within this week. We are well prepared in case the government gives permission for the team to travel to India. The visa applications for the players and support staff have been processed, which is part of standard procedure,” he said.

PCB's Indian counterpart, BCCI had assured top level protection to all visiting teams for the coveted tourney.

Pakistan's participation relies on the government and the board had made a proposal to the Indian board of playing at a neutral venue.

Hussain went on to add that they are first waiting for their government to give a nod.

"The question of playing at a neutral venue doesn't arise at the moment. First we need to wait for the government nod to go to India," said Hussain.

Pakistan are scheduled to play their World Cup opener at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 16, following which they are scheduled to play hosts India in Dharamsala, at the backdrop of Himlayas, on March 19.

They play their last two league games in Mohali, against New Zealand and Australia, on March 22 and March 25 respectively.

Security issues will not be much of an issue as Pakistan has send its sportspersons for the ongoing South Asian Games in Guwahati.

Earlier, two countries tried to revive cricketing ties on the field. The proposed bilateral series in December could not take place after the Indian government did not give the nod to the BCCI, though the Pakistan government had cleared the series.

The last time Pakistan had toured India was in 2012 for a short ODI series.

(With PTI inputs)