KARACHI – The International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive David Richardson confirmed on Wednesday that the Pakistan-India marquee clash of the World T20 has been shifted to Kolkata from Dharamsala.
While addressing press conference, he said that the measure has been taken rather forcefully as the world body was not in the favour of reconsidering the venue. “The step was taken after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared its concerns with us,” said Richardson. “The people who have bought tickets will be refunded or they can exchange them with the tickets for the Kolkata match.”
While answering a question, Richardson said that the ICC has not yet considered any penalty or punishment for the state. “We haven’t thought about punishment for the state as of right now,” he said.
“The ICC has been assured by all state authorities that adequate security measures are in place at all venues. The event will be staged in safe and secure environment,” said Richardson.
Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan, while addressing the media, said that the departure of the teams has been deferred till the assurance of security from the Indian government is received.
“We agree to play against India in Kolkata,” said Shaharyar. “Our concerns were incited by Pakistan-specific threats. The team will not go to India until we receive security assurance from the Indian government.”
PCB had been pressing ICC and BCCI to shift the match out of Dharamsala, while the security delegation which visited India gave further strength to their stance.
The delegation headed by FIA Director Usman Anwar, which also included PCB’s Security Manager Azam Khan, suggested that it was unsafe for Pakistan team to play in Dharamsala as security was not assured and ICC should be asked to provide alternate venue.
“The PCB has been offered Kolkata as the venue for World T20 high voltage encounter between Pakistan and India,” a PCB official said. “As the message was received, it was forwarded to Minister for Interior Affairs Chaudry Nisar, who will now decide whether it is ok or not. As far as the board is concerned, we’re ok with Kolkata but the decision lies with the government of Pakistan,” he said.
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