Pakistan welcomes venue change for Indo-Pak match: PCB chairman

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LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shehryar Khan on Wednesday said that Pakistan has welcomed shifting of venue from Dharamsala to Kolkata or Mohali as per suggestion of the Indian cricket board for T20 World Cup 2016 match.

Shehryar Khan made the statement during a press conference in Lahore, saying that Shashank Manohar told him in a telephonic conversation to show agreement to move venue to Kolkata or Mohali due to security concerns present for Pakistan cricket team.

He said that the decision to put the matter into delay following protests of different political parties in India specifically targeting Pakistan.

PCB Chairman said the government was apprised with the development, however, the team would not be departed to India till formal assurance for security measure of the Pakistani players.

Earlier, International Cricket Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dave Richardson on Wednesday announced to change the venue of Pakistan-India match.

The new development comes as Pakistan Cricket Board had refused to play in Dharamshala in connection with security concerns.

The CEO said that they had informed the PCB and Pakistani government about the new development. He said that the venue was changed after the consultation of all stake holders. The match between Pakistan and India would be played on March-19  in Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

The CEO said that they had changed the venue to hold the match in peaceful environment.