In the wake of Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray’s open threat to disrupt the forthcoming limited over cricket series between India and Pakistan, the Centre on Monday assured foolproof security to Pakistan team during its visit.
“We will provide foolproof security to the Pakistan cricket team,” Union Minister of State for Home Affairs R P N Singh said. Meanwhile, sources in the Home Ministry said the cricket series should go on despite the threat. “The government has arranged three-tier security for teams during the matches and practice at stadium. This will also continue during their stay in the hotel,” sources said. Playing down the Shiv Sena chief’s comment,R P N Singh said the matches would take place as per schedule. “Those opposing it should consider it only as a game,” Singh said. During the series beginning on December 25, India and Pakistan will play three One-day international and two Twenty20 matches between December 2012 and January 2013. The ODI matches will be played in Chennai, Kolkata and New Delhi and the Twenty20 games in Bangalore and Ahmedabad.