ICC World Twenty20: Kolkata's Eden Gardens likely to host India-Pakistan clash in place of Dharamsala

New Delhi: The ongoing saga of the ICC World Twenty20 match to be held in Dharamsala on March 19 between India and Pakistan is taking a long route of uncertainty. This in turn could see Kolkata's Eden Gardens, hosting the mother of all battles.

According to reports, the official confirmation from the ICC is awaited, but according to BCCI official, Kolkata has the "highest" chance compared to other prospective venues like Mohali and Bengaluru.

A BCCI official said that Kolkata would be feasible from broadcasting point of view and also security wise it would be an ideal place.

"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 said.

On Tuesday night, 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 Dharamsala.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Shahryar Khan had said that conflicting signals originating from India over Dharamsala have forced them to seek a change in location for the mega battle.

Their preference was Kolkata or Mohali.

The PCB were reluctant to play in Dharamsala 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.

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

Earlier on Tuesday, the BCCI confirmed that Dharamsala T20I will go on as scheduled, before reports emerged that Pakistan government has put the clearance on hold of the team to go to India.

But now it seems that Dharamsala's loss would be a vital gain for Kolkata. Although fans, who had registered in the ticket draw for watching the Indo-Pak game will be heartbroken as officials will also see their preparations being hit.

The prospect of the Indo-Pak battle in Himalaya's own lap has consistenly been threatened by the Shiv Sena.  

(With PTI inputs)