Threat to dig up Eden Gardens pitch for Indo-Pak tie in World T20

The little-known outfit Anti-Terrorist Front of India (ATFI), which has been opposing the Pakistan cricket team playing in India, has threatened to dig up the pitch at Eden Gardens in Kolkata that will host the high voltage India-Pakistan tie in the World T20 on March 19.

The ATFI has been opposing hosting of the Pakistan team until the terror masterminds behind the Mumbai, Pathankot and the recent Pampore attacks are handed to India by Pakistan.

“Hosting of Pakistan in India is a grave insult to all our brave soldiers who were martyred in these attacks. We will not allow the match at any cost, we will dig up the Eden pitch, there will be massive protests,” said ATFI national president Viresh Shandilya.

“The ATFI now is holding a meet to decide our course of action. How can the Indian cricket board be insensitive to undermine the tears of widows of our martyrs? We will hold protests across Kolkata including the airport,” he added.

The organization had also threatened to dig up the pitch at the HPCA stadium in Dharamsala which was originally scheduled to host the match. Citing security reasons, the International Cricket Council (ICC) relocated the match to Kolkata.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said she “very, very happy” with the Eden Gardens hosting the India-Pakistan group match.

“We are very very happy to host #IND #PAK #T20WorldCup match in #Kolkata. All are always welcome to our beautiful city,” Banejee said in a tweet.

Earlier, ICC CEO Dave Richardson announced the decision to relocate the match. The match will go ahead as per the original starting time of 7.30 p.m. local time.

“The decision has been taken following consultation with the BCCI, the relevant state associations, the ICC and BCCI security consultant and other relevant authorities,” Richardson said.

Pakistan refused to play in Dharamsala and on Tuesday night, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) held back their team from travelling to India following security concerns over the game.