[caption id="attachment_9023" align="alignnone" width="580"]11100775_1117150424970594_1302472039_n Eden Gardens to host Indo-Pak World T20 match. Image Source: File Pic[/caption] Internet Desk: Iconic Eden Gardens is all set to host the mouth watering India Pakistan tie of the ICC World T20 . The much anticipated match will now take place on March 19 after ICC was forced to shift the tie from Dharamsala due to security reasons. CAB president Sourav Ganguly must be credited for bringing the epic match at the Eden Gardens . There was a strong criticism from certain sections when Sourav opposed the concert of legendary Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali few months back. But it is due to his constant effort and willingness to host the match that forced the ICC to shift the venue . The former Indian captain has always been a favorite among the fans across the border and has had a good relationship with Pakistani cricketers . According to sources ,the Pakistan Cricket Board also have made it clear they wanted to play the match at Eden Gardens . PCB chairman Shahryar Khan shared a good relation with former BCCI president late Jagmohan Dalmiya . The PCB chairman came to Kolkata few months back to meet with Dalmiya to hold talks for the revival of bilateral series between the two countries.

Announcing the decision, ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: “The decision has been taken following consultation with the BCCI, the relevant state associations, the ICC and BCCI security consultant and other relevant authorities.

“The decision to relocate the match has been made for security reasons. The concerns initially arose following alleged public comments recently reported by the Chief Minister of Hamachal Pradesh, warning of demonstrations and attempts to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the match.

“Our concerns relate both to uncertainty as to the level of those threats as well as the level of commitment to implement any security plan developed to mitigate such threats.

  The cricket crazy crowd of the city will now get to witness the epic tie between the two former T20 World champions . There wasn't any group matches featuring India at the Eden Gardens . According to the itinerary , Dhoni and his men who are now in Kolkata were slated to play a warm up match only against the West Indies on March 10 .

“The decision was not taken lightly. The ICC and the BCCI understand the disappointment that is likely to be felt by many over the decision to move the match. But the safety and security of the event is of paramount importance to the ICC and we have taken into consideration the concerns shared with us by our security advisors as well as the Pakistan Cricket Board.

“As far as those who have purchased tickets online for the match, they will be offered the choice of a full refund or the opportunity to exchange their tickets for ones for the Kolkata match.

 “Finally, I would like to confirm that the ICC has been assured by all relevant state authorities that all adequate security measures are in place and will be implemented to ensure that the event is staged in a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders.” He further added.

Eden Gardens lost an opportunity of hosting the India-England tie  during the 2011 ICC World Cup . The match had to be shifted to Bengaluru at the last moment . So, the news of Eden Gardens hosting the India-Pakistan tie comes as a huge boost for Cricket Association of Bengal.

The PCB welcomes ICC’s decision of shifting the ICC World T20 Pakistan Vs .India game scheduled in Dharamsala on 19th March, to Kolkatta.  The PCB had earlier conveyed to ICC and BCCI of its constraints to play in Dharamsala as was also a recommendation by the Security delegation of Pakistan that visited India recently.

 The PCB has also today conveyed to ICC and BCCI that our government is expecting an assurance to Pakistan against specific threats to the Pakistan team from various political parties and groups during the tour.  Pending this assurance and in accordance with the recommendation by the Security delegation, the PCB has decided to defer the departure of Pakistan men and women teams to India.