ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Team of International Cricket Council visited the hill station of Dharamsala, India, and gave it the green signal to host the nail biting India-Pakistan clash at the World Twenty20 next year.
The 17-member team lead by the ICC’s head of events, Chris Tetley, and Tournament Director of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) MV Sridhar inspected the facilities at the stadium and all showed satisfaction that it could host the rivalry of Pakistan and India, Cricket Country reported.
“We have carried out inspection from all aspects and are happy with the facilities,” Said Chris Tetly.
The ICC official said Dharamshala had already hosted a number of international matches and was a fantastic venue and doubts about holding a big match here were clear.
“Given the India- Pakistan match, which will be held here on March 19, we have had detailed discussions on security arrangements with the host organization,” said Tetley, adding that the ICC takes security aspect seriously and plan will remain same for all the matches to be held at the venue.
Meanwhile, BCCI official MV Sridhar said the Dharamshala stadium was best among the eight venues, which will host the event. “Hospitality here is unmatched,” said Sridhar.
“Practice facilities and an indoor practice area are of world-class level,” said Sridhar, adding that the biggest advantage at Dharamshala was the practice area for four teams.
He said the practice area in stadium will be useful during the group stage when two matches will be played in a day. “We have asked cricket boards of other states to create more practice facilities for teams,” said Shridhar.
“The capacity of the stadium is being increased while special enclosures will be created for the differently-abled persons,” said Sridhar, adding that the focus would be on providing best of the facilities to spectators in the stands.
Pakistan and India will meet in the group stages on March 19 in remote Dharamsala in the Himalayan foothills whose stadium houses 23,000 fans, and is located 1,162 metres (3,800 feet) above sea level.
Source: APP
