T20 World Cup: India bars Pakistan envoys from travelling to Kolkata

NEW DELHI: India has denied permission to Delhi-based five Pakistani diplomats to travel to Kolkata for T20 World Cup cricket match between the two countries, on the ground that the officials allegedly belong to the spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and armed forces. The match is scheduled for March 19 in Kolkata after it was shifted from Dharamshala on security grounds.

India has assured foolproof security to the Pakistani cricket team. "This is not denial of visa, but travel permission by MEA to Delhi-based Pak diplomats. We have cleared permission for two diplomats of Pakistan. Remaining five belong to ISI and defence," a senior Indian government source told ET.

Pakistani government sources rued denial of permission to their diplomats to travel to Kolkata. It is understood that Pakistan has sought permission in advance and now have summoned Indian deputy high commissioner in Pakistan to discuss the matter.