DHARAMSHALA,March 09:Dharamsala's loss is Kolkata's gain as the marquee India-Pakistan encounter of the ICC World Twenty20 on March 19 is now been shifted to the iconic Eden Gardens at Kolkata. The International Cricket Council on Wednesday confirmed that the much anticipated clash between the arch-rivals has now been officially shifted to Kolkata amid the security concerns raised by the Pakistan Cricket Board in Dharamsala.
"The decision was taken following the alleged statements made by the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister of possible protest outside and inside the stadium," ICC CEO Dave Richardson told reporters in New Delhi.
"Ticket holders for India vs Pakistan match can either get refund or get similar tickets transferred to Kolkata. ICC has been assured by the security agencies - that adequate security will be provided at all the venues," he added.
When asked that has India lost the credibility after these circumstances - Richradson was quick to deny the claim and said: "ICC hasn't lost faith in India (due to this shifting of match)".
"This is not the first time venues have been changed because of security issues. But the state government should have raised their concerns earlier. As of now it is too early for us to think of sanctions on HPCA."
On Tuesday night, PCB asked the ICC and BCCI to shift their match from Dharamsala in view of security concerns raised by its three-man delegation that visited the venue a day before.(Jaspreet Sahni)
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