The most eagerly-awaited match of the WorldT20 event between India and Pakistan has a new venue. The group game between the arch-rivals has been moved from Dharamsala to Kolkata citing security concerns.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has cited fears of crowd hostility towards Pakistan might disrupt the 19 March encounter.
ICC chief executive David Richardson explained that the safety and security of the event was of paramount importance to the world governing body.
Pakistan welcomed the move but have sought more security guarantees before sending its team to India. A Pakistani security team was sent to India on Tuesday to assess the situation at the original venue Dharamsala.
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) statement said: "The PCB has also today conveyed to ICC and BCCI that our government is expecting an assurance to Pakistan against specific threats to the Pakistan team from various political parties and groups during the tour."
"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," he said.
Richardson added that ticket holders for the Dharamsala match would get either a full refund or a ticket to watch the game in Kolkata.
 |
                                                                                           |
 |