KARACHI: The Pakistani government will take its time before granting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to its hockey team to play in the World Cup in India because of security-related issues.

Sources said on Friday that Pakistani authorities will review security arrangements in New Delhi, which will host the 12-nation World Cup February 28 – March 13 next year, before taking a decision on whether to allow national hockey team to cross the border.

According to the source, Pakistan-India relations remained tense and there could security problems for Pakistani hockey players in India.

When contacted, Asif Bajwa, the Pakistan Hockey federation (PHF) secretary, said they will send a formal request for the government’s clearance sometime next month.

“There is still plenty of time before the World Cup starts and we will apply for an NOC after the Champions Challenge next month,” he said.