World T20 match against Pak shouldn't be held in Dharamshala: HP CM

Shimla/Islamabad: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Monday asserted that the much awaited World T20 match between India and Pakistan, slated to be played on March 19, should not be held in Dharamshala.

"Seeing the attitude of Pakistan towards India and the recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir where soldiers from Himachal Pradesh have also sacrificed their lives, at such a situation, cricket match with Pakistan should not take place, at least in Dharamshala," Singh told the reporters.

He, however, said that he doesn't have any problem if the match takes place in any other part of the country.

"We have written to the Union Home Minister on behalf of the government regarding this matter. I think if the match takes place in Dharamshala, it would be against the will of the people of Himachal Pradesh," he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman in Islamabad said that they have got permission from their government to go and play the World T20 in India, insisting that it was now the responsibility of the Indian Government to ensure the safety of their players.

"We have got permission from our government to go into the World Cup T20. Now, the security is India's responsibility. I am sure the public there will want us to play matches," Shahryar said.

The two arch-rivals will play against each other in the much awaited group stage match in the pinnacle tournament in Dharamshala next month.