T20 World Cup 2016: Pakistan refuse to play in Dharamshala, India-Pakistan clash venue yet to be decided

The India vs Pakistan World Cup T20 clash on 19 March will in all probability not take place in Dharamshala. Pakistan authorities have asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a change in location after its three-man delegation reported that "security is not assured" at the venue.

A report was handed to Pakistan's Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, after which it was decided that the team would not travel to India on 9 March as scheduled.

An official from the Pakistan Cricket Board, confirmed the news, saying, "The Pakistan Cricket Board has asked the BCCI [Board of Control for Cricket in India] and ICC to shift the March 19 match with India from Dharamshala to either Kolkata or Mohali," as quoted by ABPLive.

"One objection was that only low-grade security and government officials met with them in Dharamshala and they are not satisfied with the security plans laid out for the Pakistan team in case if there is a protest against the team."

"Another objection is that there were given no clear security plan for the Pakistani media and fans who will go to India for the event."

Despite the assessment by their counterparts in the Pakistani Board, the BCCI are confident that the match can be shifted to an alternate venue. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, an official said, "They have not conveyed it (not playing in Dharamshala) to ICC as a decision but as a suggestion. Mohali is already hosting two (Pakistan) matches, Kolkata already has one match. Delhi, we all know the issues there (the Delhi & District Cricket Association struggling to get various clearances to host matches)."

The final decision on the team's departure to India will be taken by the Pakistan Home Ministry, which needs to be done soon as the men in green start their campaign on 16 March against the winner of the Group A qualifier at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.