New Delhi:
Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde has said that the government will provide the best possible security for the upcoming India-Pakistan cricket series.
"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.
His remarks come against the backdrop of Shiv Sena's threat to disrupt the series.
Mr 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.
"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.
Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray had on Monday asked party activists "not to permit" the forthcoming matches between the two countries anywhere in India.
Mr Thackeray had also lashed out at the Home Minister for his statement "to forget the past" and play cricket with Pakistan.