Mamata Banerjee is happy to host match.
IANS
The little-known outfit Anti-Terrorist Front of India (ATFI) , which has been stridently opposing the Pakistan cricket team playing in India, on Wednesday threatened to dig up the pitch at Eden Gardens here that is hosting the high voltage India-Pakistan tie in the World Twenty20, on March 19.
The ATFI has been opposing hosting of the Pakistan team until the terror masterminds behind the Mumbai, Pathankot and the recent Pampore attacks are handed to India by Pakistan.
“Hosting of Pakistan in India is a grave insult to all our brave soldiers who were martyred in these attacks. We will not allow the match at any cost, we will dig up the Eden pitch, there will be massive protests,” said ATFI national president Viresh Shandilya.
“The ATFI now is holding a meet to decide our course of action. How can the Indian cricket board be insensitive to undermine the tears of widows of our martyrs? We will hold protests across Kolkata including the airport,” he added.
The organization had also threatened to dig up the pitch at the HPCA stadium in Dharamsala which was scheduled to host the March 19 India-Pakistan match.
Citing security reasons, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday relocated the India vs Pakistan group stage match to Kolkata.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said she “very, very happy” with the Eden Gardens hosting the India-Pakistan group match.
“We are very very happy to host #IND #PAK #T20WorldCup match in #Kolkata. All are always welcome to our beautiful city,” Banejee said in a tweet.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) earlier in the day relocated the March 19 game from Dharamsala to Kolkata citing security reasons.
Earlier, ICC CEO Dave Richardson announced the decision to relocate the match. The match will go ahead as per the original starting time of 7.30 p.m. local time.
“The decision has been taken following consultation with the BCCI, the relevant state associations, the ICC and BCCI security consultant and other relevant authorities,” Richardson said.
“The decision to relocate the match has been made for security reasons. The concerns initially arose following alleged public comments recently reported by the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, warning of demonstrations and attempts to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the match.”
He said the security and safety of the cricketers are paramount, which led to the decision.
“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 threats”, the former South Africa wicket-keeper said.
“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 the Pakistan Cricket Board,” he said.
Pakistan refused to play in Dharamsala and on Tuesday night, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) held back their team from travelling to India following security concerns over the game.
“It is not the first time venues have been changed due to security issues. The state government should’ve raised their concerns earlier,” Richardson added.
While answering a question, he said the ICC has not yet considered any penalty or punishment for the state.
“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,” he added.
“Finally, 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.
Tournament director M.V. Sridhar expressed his sadness at the decision.
“It’s a clear disappointment considering the preparation that had gone into this.”