A day after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani called India a "far greater security risk”, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Mahim Verma has reacted strongly to the statement. “They (Pakistan) should first look within and think about their own country. We are capable enough to handle our country and security,” Verma was quoted as saying by ANI. Misbah-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali Slam Bangladesh’s Unwillingness to Play Tests Cricket in Pakistan.

PCB chief’s statement came as Pakistan were hosting Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series. The country hosted a Test after a gap of ten years since the infamous match in Lahore in 2009. "We have proved that Pakistan is safe, if someone isn't coming then they should prove that it's unsafe. At this time, India is a far greater security risk than Pakistan," Mani was quoted as saying by ‘cricketpakistan.com.pk'. Pakistan Safe to Tour Than India at This Time, Says PCB Chief Ehsan Mani.

"No one should now doubt security arrangements in Pakistan after successful Sri Lanka Test series. This is a turning point for the revival of test cricket in Pakistan. Media and fans played an important role in portraying positive image of Pakistan worldwide," Mani added.

BCCI Vice President's Reaction

Sri Lanka became the first team to play Tests in Pakistan since 2009. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been Pakistan’s makeshift home venue for long now, but the PCB is now trying to host all its matches at home. The upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be completely held in Pakistan as well.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 24, 2019 11:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).