VENUE ISSUES

Pakistan want Kolkata or Mohali to stage World T20 clash against India

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Pakistani security team arrive at Dharamsala to conduct a security assessment © Cricbuzz

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Shahryar Khan said on Tuesday (March 8) evening that conflicting signals emanating from India over Dharamshala as the venue for the India-Pakistan World T20 match have forced them to seek a change in location for the marquee contest.

The PCB sent a letter to this effect to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday. Late-night TV reports said the Pakistani security team had advised the cricket squad to not travel to Dharamshala and even the trip to Kolkata on Wednesday may be delayed by a day.

"The Himachal CM has not committed full security for the match and the Indian government has also not come up with any assuring statement so far," Khan told TOI. "Under the circumstances, how can we allow our team to play there?"

A concerned PCB boss said the "real issue" was lack of clarity from the Indian government after the "Dharamshala tension" erupted. "Our real problem is that we haven't got any security arrangement details from the government of India. We are still waiting to hear from them officially. We at least need to be told about the position of the protesters in Dharamashala or about Shiv Sena's threat," Khan said.

Khan said PCB would consult the government of Pakistan before taking a final call. According to him, the PCB wants either Mohali or Kolkata to stage their World T20 clash against India.

"I have sent an email to the ICC that if Dharamshala has a problem hosting Pakistan-India World T20 game, the match should be played either in Mohali or Kolkata. The Pakistan board is also open to the idea of playing it else where as long as the safety and security of the Pakistani cricketers is taken care of."

Khan said that since Pakistan are already playing their matches in Mohali and Kolkata, it would be easy for the team to play at these venues. Sources in Pakistan cricket establishment told TOI that there are concerns across the border over how police will control unruly mobs, over security of Pakistani fans and journalists and also about the arrangements if Pakistan wins the game. Khan, however, refused to comment on it.

© TNN

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