DHARAMSALA, India — Sources close to the PCB earlier confirmed that Kolkata had been suggested as the new destination after their three-man security team were left convinced that Dharamsala was not safe enough to host the hotly anticipated match on March 19.
ICC chief executive David Richardson and tournament director Dr MV Sridhar met press in Delhi to finally bring to an end months of bitter argument over the host city.
“The decision has been taken following consultation with the BCCI, the relevant state associations, the ICC and BCCI security consultant and other relevant authorities,” said Richardson.
“The decision to relocate the match has been made for security reasons. 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.
“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.
“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.”
A PCB official close to the situation said that although Kolkata has been proposed as a new venue, the end decision lies with the Pakistan government but after the ICC announcement the Pakistan team is expected to board a plane bound for India at the earliest opportunity.
“The BCCI has offered Kolkata as the venue for the World T20 encounter between Pakistan and India,” a PCB official said.
“As the message was received, it was forwarded on to interior minister Chaudhry Nisar who will now decide whether it is okay or not.
“As far as the board is concerned, we’re okay with Kolkata but the decision lies with the Pakistan government.”
The Pakistan team were due to arrive in India on Wednesday but their travel has so far been delayed and there is still no guarantee of their participation in the tournament.
The match has been swathed in controversy since the two teams were pitted against each other in their Super 10 group, with a number of factors resulting in the Pakistan government and cricket board being unsure over the north India destination.
The chief minister of the Himachal Pradesh state, Virbhadra Singh, met with the Pakistan officials on Tuesday and could not guarantee the safety of the players.
He had previously stated that Himachal Pradesh was not in a position to host the game due to the volatility of the general public after terror attacks linked to Pakistan killed a number of soldiers in the region.
“The Himachal CM has not committed full security for the match and the Indian government has also not come up with any reassuring statement so far,” PCB chief executive Shahryar Khan told the Times of India after the security meeting. “Under the circumstances, how can we allow our team to play there?”
