Karachi: Pakistan’s legendary cricketer Imran Khan has insisted that the Shahid Afridi led-team should team should not play the much-anticipated match against India in the World T20 in Dharamsala post the ‘hateful’ statements by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.
The Himachal Pradesh Government has refused to provide security for the match, citing a Pathankot terror attack.
Virbhadra Singh said the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) should consider not holding the match between India and Pakistan on March 19 this year if war veterans were opposed to it. His comments came after the ex-servicemen and families of slain army officials opposed to stage a match involving Pakistan in the wake of the recent Pathankot attacks.
He said that the HPCA should accept the condition of the martyrs if they respect them.
According to the Dawn, Khan said that Singh’s statement was an irresponsible one and was totally against the standards of hospitality and hosting, insisting that the statements clearly promote hate.
The 63-year-old added that amid such a situation, the Pakistan team should not play in Himachal Pradesh.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahryar Khan had earlier said that it was the joint responsibility of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Indian government to ensure top security for the Pakistan team during the World T20 match, which is to be held on March 19. (ANI)