Kolkata likely to host India and Pakistan clash

A view of the Eden Gardens in Calcutta.

For security reasons it is likely to be shifted from Dharmsala to Eden garden Twenty20 match on March 19.

Dharamsala loss may be increased as the marquee Kolkata meeting between India and Pakistan Twenty20 ICC World on March 19 it is likely to be changed to the iconic Eden Gardens here.

The official confirmation of the ICC was expected, but according to the principle of an official of the BCCI, Kolkata has the "highest" probability compared to other possible places like Mohali and Bangalore.

In a development Tuesday night, the Pakistan Cricket Board has set his team out to India on hold after safety concerns for the party tent originally scheduled to be played in Dharamsala.

"Logistically, and from the point of view of safety, Kolkata is the ideal place for the party because they do not have to travel to Dharamsala ... It is feasible from the point of view of broadcasting, and would not have to cost for making the expensive broadcasting kit elsewhere, "said a BCCI official.

The government of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee led in the past had also shown great interest in hosting the meeting of BCCI PCB after his talk suggested in Mumbai faces protests by Shiv Sena activists.

According to the itinerary of the ICC, the Pakistan team are scheduled to camp in Calcutta where he will play two warm-up matches (against Bengal, on March 12 and Sri Lanka, March 14) and one in the main round against group A qualifying March 16.

According to the program, Pakistan were to arrive in Kolkata on Wednesday and fly to Dharamsala on March 17, but if the game is changed to remain in Calcutta until March 20 before heading to Mohali where they face New Zealand 22 March.

The PCB was reluctant to play in Dharamsala citing security concerns.

"Prime Minister Himachal Pradesh has not committed full security for the party and the government of India has not presented any statement assuring ... In the current circumstances, how can we allow our team to play there?" He said PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan on Tuesday.