Pakistan’s World Twenty20 match against tournament hosts and neighbours India has been switched from Dharamsala to Kolkata because of security concerns.
The Pakistan Cricket Board became increasingly uneasy about fulfilling the high-profile Group Two fixture at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, and sent its own security team to analyse the set-up at Dharamsala earlier this week.
The team’s anticipated arrival for the global tournament was therefore delayed - and hours later on Wednesday, at an International Cricket Council press conference in Delhi, the governing body’s chief executive David Richardson confirmed the switch.
He said: “The decision has been taken following consultation with the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), the relevant state associations, the ICC and BCCI security consultant and other relevant authorities.
“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 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 threats.”
Richardson made clear that the ICC moved the match to Eden Gardens only after much deliberation, but concluded it was the only appropriate course of action.
“The decision was not taken lightly,” he said.
“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 advisers as well as the 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.
“Finally, 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.”
Before the ICC confirmed the match was being moved, both Pakistan’s men’s and women’s teams remained at home while talks were held with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif about the feasibility of travelling to India.
Both teams will be expected to travel imminently, with Pakistan’s first match in the men’s Super 10 stage against a Group B qualifier scheduled in Kolkata on March 16th.
