Cricket team arrives in India amid high security
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KOLKATA: The Pakistan cricket team arrived in India on Saturday evening amid tight security to take part in the World Twenty20 championship, ending days of uncertainty over their participation in the tournament.
The team first travelled from Lahore to Abu Dhabi and rested there for some time before boarding an Etihad flight for Kolkata.
Pakistan will be meeting India in one of the most awaited games of the tournament at the Eden Gardens on March 19.
The 27-member squad consists of 15 players and 12 officials.
As soon as the players and officials stepped off their plane, a heavy security blanket unprecedented for a sports contingent wrapped the airport.
On Friday the Pakistan government had given the cricket board the green signal to send the team to India.
Head coach Waqar Younis, before departing for India, left a message on his Twitter account calling for unity. “Come on, together we can do it.”
He told media that though the departure of the team had been hit by uncertainty and security issues, the players’ focus now would only be on cricket and doing well in the world event. “We know that in India we will get a lot of hospitality because many of the players and officials have been to India before and they have seen this,” he said. “I have told the players to leave security issues to the boards and officials.”
Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2016
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Comments (66) Closed
Mar 13, 2016 07:49am
Good
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Mar 13, 2016 07:56am
Unnecessary drama
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Mar 13, 2016 08:00am
V Indians show what we have whether right or wrong v dun conspire behind back...
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Mar 13, 2016 08:03am
Welcome
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Mar 13, 2016 08:06am
Does the team really need twelve officials ?
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Mar 13, 2016 08:08am
An entire contingent of Pakistani athletes very recently participated in South Asian Games in Guwahati, India, won medals and returned to Pakistan safely. Nobody talks about them ! Why is a cricket team given so much importance?
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Mar 13, 2016 08:09am
15 players vs 12 officials.
Wow , what a waste of poor nation's money. No wonder we loose all the time now a days. But we don't do things that will make some sense and save money like one batting coach, one balling coach, one team manager and one team doctor.( 4 officials not 12)
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Mar 13, 2016 08:15am
15 players for playing and 12 officials for creating drama,it can also become vica-versa.
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Mar 13, 2016 08:29am
Great news. This time we will be the champions.
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Mar 13, 2016 08:32am
Goodluck. keep the green flag high
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Mar 13, 2016 08:34am
How can a team compete with confidence under these conditions? Guns and security all around. A different country would have been the best answer.
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Mar 13, 2016 08:46am
@ss It is almost 1:1 ratio of player to official. I guess it must be 1-on-1 coaching....
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Mar 13, 2016 08:49am
That type of security proves the Pakistan stand.
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Mar 13, 2016 09:01am
welcome to incredible India
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Mar 13, 2016 09:18am
@T. M. Wazir I agree that officials should be less than 12 but they cannot be 4. You missed Computer Analyst. They are suppose to record everything that happens in the ground in a software for later analysis. Then there is fielding coach.
So, 6 would be enough. If you add a helper or two then 7-8. (helpers are needed for practice sessions)
I think PCB takes as much as they can because foreign tours are when an individual makes the most money legally. So, everyone wants to go. Over staffing here as well just like rest of the government foreign tours.
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Mar 13, 2016 09:19am
@munsif people sometime get what they deserve according to their global status, skill & here talent, image.India will continue to provide equal importance to the deserving candidates. Wellcome & play well.
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Mar 13, 2016 10:02am
Imagine the chain of hands protecting our team. Imagine what happens if they lose. They will need a similar protection ring on arrival back in Pakistan!
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Mar 13, 2016 10:15am
"The 27-member squad consists of 15 players and 12 officials."
How come they have left three players with out any official over looking them.
See, this is the biggest mistake the BCCP board has made which will lead to the
team's loss.
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Mar 13, 2016 10:22am
Pakistan sent 500 athletes to India a month ago to participate in South Asian games. Nothing happened, other than Pakistan putting up a poor athletic show (behind Sri Lanka). Unnecessary drama here. All other team are settled and doing warm up matches.
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Mar 13, 2016 10:23am
As usual Pakistan- India drama. The world has changed, who cares few cricketers travelling to India. Address real problems in India and Pakistan.
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Mar 13, 2016 10:26am
Pakistan players should resist the temptations of checking out the glamor and night spots and shouldn't party because it would not be safe they should play cricket have discipline keep away from bookies and one of the W's if they do that with their talent they should decimate the competition and come back with the cup.
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Mar 13, 2016 10:31am
There is no mention of hundreds of cricket fans who had gathered to greet the Pak cricket team!! Anyways, wishing Pak team a very pleasant stay in India. May you have a great World Cup
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Mar 13, 2016 10:40am
@umer don't forget Masseur! So we are almost reaching 10 justified officials - now 12 doesn't look too bad!
If the 15 players were good at their job, nation won't be questioning the 12 officials - am sure other teams have similar number of helping staff on their contingents.
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Mar 13, 2016 10:57am
@Salim Khan Accept my congratulations in advance.
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Mar 13, 2016 11:12am
@Amit And international snooker players have come to Pakistan over the years, many other sporting events have been held in which international players played. They returned safely. So, why all the fuss about playing in Pakistan? Thing is the World T 20 is a much more high profile event in the subcontinent than the South Asian Games.
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Mar 13, 2016 11:15am
@Zagat I think the World T20 would be a more high profile event, no?
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Mar 13, 2016 11:17am
Security guarantee demand was foolishness on the part of PCB and Pak Govt no one can guarantee of protection when we fail to protect our two PMs they were having fool proof security this was politics and it was good the Govt does not scumb to the unjust demand. Now they have reached India welcome them play a good cricket and win this is my Dua.
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Mar 13, 2016 11:22am
@Bye Bye don't forget, sports doctor, batting coach,bowling coach manager, board member, kit caretaker, tour arranger, injury massager, 2 extra reserve players etc etc,
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Mar 13, 2016 11:30am
Welcome to INDIA
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Mar 13, 2016 11:34am
Pakistan team,were greeted, cheered, with huge welcome at Kolkata airport.
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Mar 13, 2016 11:35am
As many as 12 officials !!! Never heard of before. Hope Dawn reporter or any reader can provide details of the size of contingent of other participating countries
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Mar 13, 2016 11:37am
A good decision to send Pakistani team to India. India is a big democracy and it has the capability to deal with any security problem provided it does so. What can a handful of Hindu fanatics do or challenge writ of the government if there is will and determination on the part of the political leaders in power? It was a mere drama created by the Indian media to make the team tour to their country a failure.
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Mar 13, 2016 11:46am
@T. M. Wazir PCB is self-funded not government funded.
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Mar 13, 2016 11:52am
@dawn Pakistan team got a huge reception by a massive fan base here in India. The only protection they actually required was from fans trying to get a glimpse, autographs, selfies etc. While all other teams arrived early, played their warm up matches etc., it was unnecessary for the officials to ask for a public guarantee and delay the team's arrival. If Mamata Banerjee did not play face saver, they would have probably arrived at the day of the match. All the best to Team Pakistan from all of us here in India
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Mar 13, 2016 11:54am
@Amit Because the security threat was Cricket Team specific.
Hence the importance.
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Mar 13, 2016 12:00pm
@T. M. Wazir While I agree with you on your objection to a large number of officials accompanying the team, I would like to inform you that it is not at the cost of Tax Payers' money. PCB earns money from participating in various series and also through sponsors, specially PEPSI.
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Mar 13, 2016 12:07pm
only india can provide foolproof security to any cricket team
welcome to india enjoy yourself hope u have a good time, cricket is just a game u win some u lose some, imp is u enjoy the game
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Mar 13, 2016 12:07pm
@brar In the days the two prime ministers were killed, security was not a concern to the extent it is now world wide.
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Mar 13, 2016 12:34pm
@Zagat the drama started when Indian Board didn't allow matches to be played in Dubai which was promised by the BCCI. Were there any security concerns in Dubai so they opted for a new drama citing corruption allegations in Dubai....Pakistan on the other hand still coming to play in India despite threats
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Mar 13, 2016 12:34pm
15 players and 12 staff I can only laugh. On a serious point though I would say that Pakistan batsmen need the services of a trained professional to debrief them of this high drama and allow them to psychologically focus on the issue at hand. Just a thought!
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Mar 13, 2016 12:37pm
Good arrangements/ indian congratulations
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Mar 13, 2016 12:52pm
@Amit: Indian Kabadi team keeps on travelling to Pakistan and they had no issues but when it comes to Indian Cricket Team, BCCI fears security WHY?????? So is the case with Pakistan Cricket Board.
Similarly, thousands of Sikh Yatris reach Lahore for their pilgrimage every year. They travel freely in Pakistan and receive lots of love and respect. Nothing has happened ever with them. This is more of a political drama which takes it roots from India first and Pakistan reciprocates it accordingly. Hope you understand.
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Mar 13, 2016 01:17pm
Pakistan talking about security.
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Mar 13, 2016 01:50pm
Well if extremists on indian side are threatening pak players and dignup pitch and cm of himachal is not guaranteeing security then how is it drama from Pak side.
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Mar 13, 2016 02:11pm
@Atif
It is confusing, even our ally China wouldn't play a low profile Davis Cup match in Pakistan, last week , on security grounds.
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Mar 13, 2016 02:12pm
Imagine how many officials would have come if there were no "threats"?
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Mar 13, 2016 04:00pm
I feel the pak cricket team will need an even greater security at home if they return empty handed.The heightened concern for security might just play in the minds of players inhibiting them from playing their natural game infront of a largely indian crowd.
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Mar 13, 2016 04:39pm
Welcome to India..
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Mar 13, 2016 06:47pm
@Woz ahmed really ! They won't play tennis in Pakistan due to security threats but they will invest $46 billion in Pakistan despite security threats. The false propaganda from our only enemy has failed and our one true friend has remained steadfast with us.
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Mar 13, 2016 07:01pm
I do not understand why Pakistani team went to the most dangerous place on earth?
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Mar 13, 2016 08:37pm
welcome to India .
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Mar 13, 2016 10:17pm
inshallah this team rises from ashes like a Phoenix and hits the best form. this team can do wonders with right mindset. from pak cricket team fan across the border.
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Mar 13, 2016 10:19pm
This drama is Only a reminder that general public perception is not going to change , no matter who meets who on international political stage .love it or leave it , this perception is as a fact as nothing will come out this game diplomatically as the media has damaged the relationships beyond repair and this match can't change anything so just carry on as usual .
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Mar 13, 2016 10:28pm
Enough of drama ! Time to display some decent cricket playing skills.
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Mar 13, 2016 10:32pm
@Amit Yor are right Amit. But you should also consider the fact that our athletes were not given threat by Indian political parties and ministers on contrary to this cricket team.
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Mar 13, 2016 10:37pm
@Amit "Why is a cricket team given so much importance?" Because no Chief Minister or political party threatened to disrupt the other athletic games, only cricket team from Pakistan.
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Mar 13, 2016 11:27pm
This should have been just a game . Both the countries gives unwanted nationalism to their cricket matches. See the stadiums in many other countries like Aus, Windsor, New Zealand and so on. The most electrifying matches are played with mimimum security & unfenced stadium's. Why we're so stupids & intolerant towards each other!!!@
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Mar 14, 2016 02:56am
The 27-member squad consists of 15 players and 12 officials.
Said enough
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Mar 14, 2016 07:23am
@dawn This is the demand of Pakistan government and they got their wish. At least now we ca't complain and enjoy the game.
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Mar 14, 2016 07:30am
@GA K Wazir Wait a second the drama was not created by media but Pakistan wanted special security for their team and the state Bengal promised the security.
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Mar 14, 2016 07:33am
@Pakistani Pakistan had a choice and choose to go. Nobody forced them to go.
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Mar 14, 2016 09:43am
@Changez_Khan : Really !
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Mar 15, 2016 12:49am
@dawn Asia Cup had no guns around ! Silly remarks.
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Mar 15, 2016 03:05am
Welcome friends, I am sure Pakistan team will receive lot of love in India. Just please make sure you don't beat India in India!!! Just Kidding, welcome and best of luck!
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Mar 15, 2016 03:54am
@Kamal
Good one Kamal!
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Mar 15, 2016 12:42pm
Even beggars are secure in Incredible India
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