INDIA-PAKISTAN MARQUEE CLASH

India-Pakistan World T20 clash moved to Kolkata

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Initially scheduled to be held in Dharamsala, the change of venue has taken place after the Pakistan Cricket Board expressed concerns over security in the city. © Cricbuzz

The highly-anticipated India-Pakistan clash of the World T20 has been moved to the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Wednesday (March 9).

"The decision to relocate the match has been made for security reasons. The concerns initially arose following alleged public comments recently reported by the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, warning of demonstrations and attempts to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the match. "Our concerns relate both to uncertainty as to the level of those threats as well as the level of commitment to implement any security plan developed to mitigate such treats," David Richardson, the CEO of the International Cricket Council, said in a press conference held in the national capital on Wednesday.

"The decision was not taken lightly. The ICC and the BCCI understand the disappointment that is likely to be felt by many over the decision to move the match. But the safety and security of the event is of paramount importance to the ICC and we have taken into consideration the concerns shared with us by our security advisors as well as Pakistan Cricket Board," he added.

Richardson also reiterated that all the adequate security measures will be in place to ensure the World T20 is conducted in a safe and secure environment, even as the venue change for the big game comes merely 10 days ahead of the fixture. "I would like to confirm that the ICC has been assured by all relevant state authorities that all adequate security measures are in place and will be implemented to ensure that the event is staged in a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders."

Initially scheduled to be held in Dharamsala, the change of venue has taken place after the Pakistan Cricket Board expressed concerns over security in the city. Virbhadra Singh, the Himachal Pradesh chief minister, had said last week that the state government would be unable to provide security for the highly-anticipated fixture.

There appears to be a political undertone to the sudden turn of events as Anurag Thakur, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), pushed for the game to be held in the picturesque location for months while Virbhadra, a Congressman, opposing it.

A two-member security delegation from Pakistan assessed the conditions in Dharamsala on Tuesday. A Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) official in the know of proceedings, however, explained that the delegation were satisfied with the board's efforts at the venue but had concerns over the areas outside the stadium where the team would travel.

"The security delegation were happy with the security inside the ground and the stadium premises. But their main concern was with the areas outside and the team's movements outside the stadium, on the roads etc. The state refused to use force against people if they protested outside and that was a major concern for the Pakistan authorities. Pakistan have communicated to BCCI that their first preference is Kolkata and second is Mohali," he told Cricbuzz.

The official also admitted that the possible move would be a disappointment, as Dharamsala had been preparing to host the marquee clash for over six months. "It was such a huge game, we have been preparing for this for the last six months and we were very excited. But that's the way life goes," he added.

Following the change of venue, Richardson put forth a couple of options for fans who have already purchased the Dharamsala match ticket. "As far as those who have purchased tickets online for the match, they will be offered the choice of a full refund or the opportunity to exchange their tickets for ones for the Kolkata match."

© Cricbuzz

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