The 2016 ICC T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan's venue has been rescheduled from Dharamsala to Kolkata on March 19. As per the initial schedule, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association stadium to Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh said that the ruling government in the state were unable to provide adequate security to Pakistan's travelling team. This forced the cricket's governing body ICC to intervene and their chief executive Dave Richardson confirmed the venue for India v Pakistan has been rescheduled on Wednesday.
"The decision to relocate the match has been made for security reasons," Richardson said, as reported by ESPN Cricinfo.
"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 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."
