ICC World T20: Anurag Thakur backs Dharamshala as venue for India-Pakistan match after HP CM raises security concerns

New Delhi: Board of Cricket for Control in India (BCCI) secretary Anurag Thakur on Tuesday backed Dharamshala as venue of India-Pakistan match to be played in ICC World Twenty20 on March 19.

Amid growing security concerns for the much-awaited clash, Thakur took to Twitter and said those who are politicizing this issue are tarnishing the image of Himachal Pradesh and the country.

Those politicizing this cricket issue hv shown thr own shortcomings & incapability, are working to tarnish image of HP & the country. @BCCI — Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) March 1, 2016

The BJP MP also added that the venues were alloted long time back and fans from across the globe have booked their tickets for the marquee encounter.

 

Schedule & location of T20 Cricket World Cup ws planned 1yr ago. Allotment of match venues ws made many months ago. @BCCI — Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) March 1, 2016

 

Cricket fans,tourists & organizers hv all made their travel plans in accordance w/ this schedule. @BCCI — Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) March 1, 2016

Fans backed his tweets and said they were in favour of the match being held at HPCA stadium in the state.

Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, has opposed hosting of the high-profile India-Pakistan World T20 clash in Dharamsala.

According to a report on India TV website, the state government has stated it cannot provide security to the visiting team.

"We have written to the Home Minister on behalf of the govt regarding this matter," he was quoted as saying in the report.

On Monday, the Himachal Pradesh Congress had asked the BCCI to either cancel the proposed match or shift the venue.

The party claimed that since Kangra is home to a large number of soldiers, including Kargil War heroes like Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Saurabh Kalia, hosting the Pakistani team would hurt the sentiments of martyrs' families.

(With PTI inputs)