The much hyped India-Pakistan encounter of the ICC World Twenty20 on 19 March is likely to be shifted from Dharamshala to the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, reports Press Trust of India.

Though it yet to be officially confirmed by the ICC, according to a top BCCI official, Kolkata has the ‘highest’ chance compared to other prospective venues such as Mohali and Bengaluru.

‘In a late night development on Tuesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board had put its team departure to India on hold following security concerns for the marquee match originally scheduled to be played in Dharamshala.’

Move match out of Dharamshala, PCB requests ICC

‘Logistically, and from security point of view, Kolkata is the ideal place for the match as they would not have to travel to Dharamshala... It’s feasible from broadcasting point of view as they would not have to the cost for taking the expensive broadcasting kit to another venue,’ a BCCI official told PTI.

‘The West Bengal government led by Mamata Banerjee in the past too had shown keen interest to host BCCI’s meeting with PCB after their proposed talk in Mumbai faced protest from Shiv Sena activists.’

‘As per the ICC itinerary, Pakistani team are slated to camp in Kolkata where they will play two warm-up games (against Bengal, 12 March and Sri Lanka, 14 March) and one in the main round against Group A qualifier 16 March.’

‘As per the schedule, Pakistan were to arrive late evening today and fly out to Dharamshala on 17 March but if the match is shifted they will remain here till March 20 before heading to Mohali where they face New Zealand 22 March.’

After a recce of Dharamshala, the PCB were reluctant to play there citing security concerns.’

‘The Himachal Pradesh chief minister has not committed full security for the match and the Indian government has also not come up with any assuring statement... Under the prevailing circumstances how can we allow our team to play there?’ PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said on Tuesday.