WT20: Indian miscreants threaten to 'dig up pitch' if Pakistan play at Dharamshala
The Indian extremists have warned the local administration of vandalism.
HIMACHAL PRADESH (Web Desk) – Anti-Terrorist Front of India on Saturday have threatened to dig up the pitch of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium or HPCA Stadium for holding Pakistan and India scheduled match under World Twenty20 event.
Uncertainty prevails over match between India and Pakistan in Dharamsala on March 19 due to Pathankot terror attacks in January.
According to sources, the Indian extremists have warned the local administration of vandalism if it holds the match.
"If the Pakistan team come to Dharamsala to play against Indian cricket team, we will dig the pitch in HPCA stadium," Virender Shandilya, national president of Anti-Terrorist Front of India, said.
Shandilya claimed that he had written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh in this regard and will also meet state chief minister Virbhadra Singh and leader of opposition PK Dhumal.
Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had assured foolproof security to Pakistan for the World Twenty20 in India.
To a question regarding PCB chief Shaharyar Khan seeking written assurance from the BCCI and the Indian government, senior BCCI official and IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla said foolproof security will be provided to all teams including Pakistan for the event starting March 8.
On the protests by ex-servicemen in the state, Congressman Shukla added: "We sympathise with the protesters and that is why on bilateral matches with Pakistan, we have not taken any decision. But this is a world event. Because of the humongous logistical challenge, it is difficult to change the venue now".
Pakistani government had given permission to the national cricket team to play World Twenty20 in India on February 25.
The sixth edition of the ICC World Twenty20 will be held in India from March 8 to April 3.
Pakistan will play its first match against a qualifier team in Kolkata on March 16, before taking on arch-rivals India in a high-profile game in Dharamsala three days later.
They also play New Zealand (March 22) and Australia (March 25) in the first round.
