ICC World Twenty20: Eden Gardens announced new venue for Indo-Pak match; fans to get refund for Dharamsala tickets

New Delhi: Ending all the speculations, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday announced Eden Gardens as the new venue for the much-awaited India-Pakistan match which was previously scheduled to be held at Dharamsala.

Speaking at a press conference, ICC chief executive David Richardson said that the decision was taken after Himachal Pradesh chief minister raised security concerns over the marquee encounter.

Richardson said that fans, who had booked tickets for Dharamsala, will be given a full refund, or a ticket at the Eden Gardens equivalent to the ones they purchased for the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium (HPCA).

On Tuesday night, the Pakistan Cricket Board had put its team departure to India on hold following security concerns for the marquee match originally scheduled to be played in Dharamsala.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Shahryar Khan had said that conflicting signals originating from India over Dharamsala have forced them to seek a change in location for the mega battle.

Their preference was Kolkata or Mohali.

Earlier on Tuesday, the BCCI confirmed that Dharamsala T20I will go on as scheduled, before reports emerged that Pakistan government has put the clearance on hold of the team to go to India.

Although fans, who had registered in the ticket draw for watching the Indo-Pak game will be heartbroken as officials will also see their preparations being hit.

The prospect of the Indo-Pak battle in Himalaya's own lap has consistently been threatened by the Shiv Sena.

(With PTI inputs)