Pakistan is continuing "to defer plans to travel to the World Twenty20" despite the decision to switch its high-profile match against India from Dharamsala to Kolkata on security grounds, according to the LONDON TIMES. The Int'l Cricket Council confirmed that the Group Two fixture on March 19 has been moved from the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium to Eden Gardens. The ICC is "therefore anticipating Pakistan’s arrival." But a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board, "shortly after the announcement" from ICC CEO David Richardson at a Delhi press conference, indicated "significant remaining security fears." The PCB is demanding further assurances of safety after "specific threats to the team from various political parties and groups during the tour." According to the ICC’s pre-tournament schedule, Pakistan was "due to hold press conferences" Wednesday and Thursday -- involving the women’s and men’s teams, respectively -- "but it remains to be seen what impact their current non-travelling stance will have." Confirming the switch of venue, 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" (LONDON TIMES, 3/9). In London, Nick Hoult reported the issue "was shrouded in confusion with the Indian board saying on Monday that the match would go ahead." Tournament Dir M.V. Sridhar said, "The security is excellent, I have seen it myself. The state government has assured us they will provide complete security." That contradicts the chief minister of the Himachal Pradesh government, who told a three-man PCB security delegation visiting Dharamsala on Monday "that they would not be afforded any special security and that public opinion was that the match should not go ahead" (TELEGRAPH, 3/8).
