Pakistan seek security clearance for India World Cup
KARACHI: Pakistani hockey authorities have sought government security clearance to take part in next month’s World Cup in India, amid strained sporting relations between the neighbours.
Pakistan’s government has said the team will not boycott the event despite a spat last week after an auction in Mumbai for the Indian Premier League (IPL) ended without any of the 11 Pakistani cricketers snapped up for the teams.
Players and officials have alleged that the snub of world-class cricketers such as Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul was politically motivated and a number of former hockey players have said the team should boycott the hockey World Cup.
Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary Asif Bajwa said he has sought clearance from the foreign office and interior ministry for the February 28 to March 13 tournament in New Delhi.
“The latest situation demands full security assurances for our players and that’s why I have sought clearance from the government,” Bajwa told AFP. “We fear security problems in India.”
Pakistan’s sports minister Ijaz Jakhrani has rejected calls for a World Cup boycott, saying it was a global event and the national team will compete.
Bajwa said the International Hockey Federation has assured them of full security for the event but government guarantees were also needed.
“I have heard that Australia and England are bringing their own security personnel, so it would be better if we too take some security staff with us because we want a peaceful event,” said Bajwa, a former Olympian.
Pakistan are in Group B of the 12-team competition along with Australia, England, India, South Africa and Spain.
The four-time world and three-time Olympic champions have not won a major title since their World Cup win in Australia in 1994. They finished eighth – the worst result in their history – at the Beijing Olympics.