T20 World Cup 2016: India-Pakistan clash at Dharamshala hinges on assessment by security team

A two-member team of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is arriving in India on Monday, 7 March, to review the security situation ahead of the national side's visit to Kolkata, where they are scheduled to play their first game of the ICC T20 World Cup on 16 March against the winner of the Group A qualifier. The visit comes amidst controversy over the India and Pakistan match scheduled to be played in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on 19 March.

Pakistani officials led by Federal Investigation Agency director Usman Anwar will assess whether the security situation is suitable for the visit of the cricket team, amid threats from Indian extremists and militant organizations.

"All arrangements are in place for the security team to leave for India on Monday," a statement from the Pakistani authorities said, as quoted by Dawn.

"The team will meet the Himachal Pradesh chief minister and the state police chief and prepare a report which will be sent to the Pakistan Cricket Board and interior minister.

"The trip can be delayed until we are sure they will be safe. We want to ensure that our team is provided complete security in India and this is the responsibility of the Indian government and the International Cricket Council (ICC)."

A number of state leaders in India have opposed Pakistan's visit to Dharamshala prompting former ICC chief Ehsan Mani to ask the PCB not to send the Pakistani players to the venue. Former captain Imran Khan, now a leading Pakistani politician, too has said the players should not travel to Dharamshala.

Pakistan are drawn in Group 2 along with Australia, India, New Zealand and the winner of the Group A qualifier.