NEW DELHI - With respective state police finalising security details of the forthcoming Indo-Pak mini cricket series in consultation with the BCCI, the Centre said that it would provide the best possible security to players and spectators of the neighbouring country.
"When cricketers from other countries come to India, it is our duty to protect them. We will discuss and provide best possible security. We are going to be very alert," Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said when asked about Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's threat.
He said there would be no compromise on the security of Pakistani cricketers and spectators. "We should not mix sports and culture with politics. There should be different views. This series will pave the way for the revival of better ties between the two countries," said the home minister when asked for his reaction to Thackeray's remarks threatening the Indo-Pak cricket matches.
Thackeray on Monday had called upon "patriotic people of India" to disrupt cricket matches between India and Pakistan, which will be played in the country next month. He also lashed out at Shinde for his statement "to forget the past", and play cricket with Pakistan. The series would comprise three ODIs and two T-20 matches to be held between December 25 and January 6.
The ODIs will be played in Chennai, Kolkata and New Delhi, and the T-20 ties in Bangalore and Ahmedabad.