The T20 World Cup is around the corner, and all eyes will be on the IND vs PAK clash in Sri Lanka on Feb 15. While it might/might not be the most engaging match for the fans now, but it certainly warrants a lot of interest, due to the chatter around it. There is geopolitics, some inflammatory statements have been coming from Pakistan too..
IND vs PAK on Feb 15
And for the same reason, Sri Lankan authorities have amped up the security arrangements. Sri Lanka has given “highest priority” to ensuring the tournament runs smoothly and is “paying special attention to the India-Pakistan matches”, sports minister Sunil Kumara Gamage told AFP.
There will be elite commando units, which will protect both the teams. “From the time they step out of the airport till they return to their aircraft, they will be protected by armed guards,” an official said. Meanwhile, Bangladesh had refused to travel to India for the T20 World Cup matches in India, and had asked for their matches to be shifted in Sri Lanka as well. ICC did not budge, and hence the team withdrew from the tournament.
Pakistan unhappy with Bangladesh’s withdrawal
Pakistan too backed Bangladesh as said, it was exploring options to boycott the India vs Pakistan encounter. As per a report in Telecom Asia Sport, PAK is exploring the option of skipping the India match, in case they win their other two group matches. “If Pakistan wins both these games, then the likelihood of forfeiting against India will be significant,” a PCB insider said.
Meanwhile, it also seems that the PCB is contemplating writing a letter to the ICC, in order to lodge their protest over the entire Bangladesh situation. But for now, nothing is clear, as they are playing the waiting game.
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