Tight security for Pak cricket team: Shinde

Against the backdrop of Shiv Sena's threat to disrupt the upcoming Indo-Pak cricket series, government today said it would provide the best possible security to players of the neighbouring country.

Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde (File pic)

Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde also said that sports and politics should not be mixed as the cricket series will pave the way for improving bilateral ties between India and Pakistan.

"When cricketers from other countries come to India, not only Pakistan, it is our duty to protect them. We will discuss and provide best possible security. We are going to be very alert," he said when asked about Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's threat.

Shinde 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," he said.

The Home Minister said the limited over cricket series should not be mixed with the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which was carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit LeT.

The Shiv Sena chief had on Monday had called upon "staunch Hindus and patriotic people of India" to disrupt cricket matches between India and Pakistan due to be played in the country next month.

Thackeray also lashed out at Shinde for his statement "to forget the past" and play cricket with Pakistan.u00a0