ICC World Twenty20: Sad moment for Dharamsala, but Kolkata is ready for Indo-Pak clash, says Sourav Ganguly

Dada says it is an accident that happened which in turn has caused inconvenience to the people of Dharamsala.

New Delhi: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday said that it is indeed a sad moment for Dharamsala, who lost the high-profile India versus Pakistan clash to be held on March 19 in the ICC World Twenty20.

The clash got shifted from Dharamsala to Kolkata on Wednesday, and Sourav said he feels for the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) which could have hosted the game very easily.

"It must be a sad moment for them for no fault of theirs. I feel for Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association and Dharamsala. I sympathise wih Anurag Thakur and people of Himachal for what has happened. It's one of the best stadia of the country and could have hosted the game very easily," the he said.

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.

Ganguly, who is the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal, said that it is an accident that happened which in turn has caused inconvenience to the people of Dharamsala.

"This is an accident which has happened. It has caused inconvenience to the people of Dharamshala. We had lost a match in 2011 as well," Ganguly said.

After days of speculation and following pressure from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the ICC announced its decision to shift the venue to Eden Gardens citing security concerns.

Ganguly said that the CAB is ready to host the Indo-Pak match at Eden Gardens Kolkata, and cited the neighbours are just like any other team who comes, plays and goes.

"We are ready. I don't think there's any difference. It's just another team who comes, plays and goes. We just have to host another game. Security will be tight but the playing conditions remain the same,” said Ganguly.

Meanwhile, the prospect of the Indo-Pak battle in Himalaya's own lap has consistently been threatened by the Shiv Sena. Also the state's Chief Minister had stated he will not provide security for the match.

The BCCI was forced to shift the match and Anurag Thakur lashed out at the people who are responsible for polarising cricket.