New Delhi, Mar 14: There has never ever been a doubt over Pakistan playing in the World Twenty20, despite their posturing over security, and insisting on written assurance from the Indian government.

World T20 Special Site; Photos; Beware of unpredictable format

Left to Pakistani players, they would have unanimously said they would love to play in India as skipper Shahid Afridi amplified their feelings on arrival in Kolkata.

He went a step further saying that his players are loved in India more than in Pakistan and that there's nothing like playing cricket with India.

Predictably, some of his compatriots, surprisingly former cricketers, didn't like Afridi's love for the Indians and his advocacy of playing cricket to restore peace between the two countries.

(Can MS Dhoni lead India to a historic title in his final World T20?)

(Tendulkar praises Dhoni)" title="(Ind-NZ match preview)

Both the teams can be of great nuisance value to some fancied teams. Bangladesh are in India's half along with Australia, Pakistan and New Zealand. Can there be a tougher group in an international cricket tournament? But then in Twenty20, teams on paper may not matter much to the opponents.

A good over by a bowler or a smashing one of a batsman can make a world of difference to the fortunes of a side. The bowlers have acquired newer tricks to befuddle batsmen, who, not be outdone, have also been evolving with funny yet productive strokes.

India, Australia, South Africa and England seem to be the favourites of many to make the semi-finals based on recent and current form. The other three can contest the prophecy, just as former champions West Indies and reigning champions Sri Lanka, might seriously contest the Group A prophesy. (Tendulkar praises Dhoni)" />(Ind-NZ match preview)

Both the teams can be of great nuisance value to some fancied teams. Bangladesh are in India's half along with Australia, Pakistan and New Zealand. Can there be a tougher group in an international cricket tournament? But then in Twenty20, teams on paper may not matter much to the opponents.

A good over by a bowler or a smashing one of a batsman can make a world of difference to the fortunes of a side. The bowlers have acquired newer tricks to befuddle batsmen, who, not be outdone, have also been evolving with funny yet productive strokes.

India, Australia, South Africa and England seem to be the favourites of many to make the semi-finals based on recent and current form. The other three can contest the prophecy, just as former champions West Indies and reigning champions Sri Lanka, might seriously contest the Group A prophesy. (Tendulkar praises Dhoni)