Kolkata: Dharamsala's loss is Kolkata's gain as the marquee India-Pakistan encounter of the ICC World Twenty20 on March 19 was shifted to the iconic Eden Gardens here.
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: “The decision has been taken following consultation with the BCCI, the relevant state associations, the ICC and BCCI security consultant and other relevant authorities.
BREAKING NEWS: ICC relocates India versus Pakistan match to Kolkata https://t.co/5ottwnSagr #WT20
— ICC (@ICC) March 9, 2016
“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 Hamachal Pradesh, warning of demonstration 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," he added.
Read: Himachal won't provide security to Pakistan team, BCCI in a fix
According to ICC media release, “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."
“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,” said David Richardson.
Also Read: Pakistan to participate only after 'public assurance' by Indian govt
“Finally, I would like to confirm that the ICC has been assured by all relevant state authorities that all adequate security measure are in place and will be implemented to ensure that the event is staged in a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders,” concluded Richardson.
In a late night development on Tuesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had put its team departure to India on hold following security concerns for the marquee match originally scheduled to be played in Dharamsala.
Logistically, and from security point of view, Kolkata is the ideal place for the match as they would not have to travel to Dharamshala. It's feasible from broadcasting point of view as they would not have to the cost for taking the expensive broadcasting kit to another venue," a BCCI official said.
The West Bengal government led by Mamata Banerjee in the past too had shown keen interest to host BCCI's meeting with PCB after their proposed talk in Mumbai faced protest from Shiv Sena activists.
As per the ICC itinerary, Pakistani team are slated to camp in Kolkata where they will play two warm-up games (against Bengal, March 12 and Sri Lanka, March 14) and one in the main round against Group A qualifier March 16.
As per the schedule, Pakistan were to arrive late evening on Wednesday and fly out to Dharamsala on March 17 but if the match is shifted they will remain here till March 20 before heading to Mohali where they face New Zealand March 22.
After a recce of Dharamsala, the PCB were reluctant to play there citing security concerns.
The Himachal Pradesh chief minister has not committed full security for the match and the Indian government has also not come up with any assuring statement. Under the prevailing circumstances how can we allow our team to play there?" PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said on Tuesday.
