The Cricket Association of Bengal requested an ICC reconnaissance team on Saturday in response to local security concerns before the World Cup match between Pakistan and England on November 12, which coincided with Kali Puja. If the BCCI and ICC have to modify another date, Pakistan will face a third schedule modification. This follows the postponement of the India-Pakistan game (October 14 instead of 15 in Ahmedabad) and the Sri Lanka-Pakistan game (October 10 instead of October 12 in Hyderabad).
The Ahmedabad Police had informed the BCCI that security would be difficult to provide on October 15, the first day of the Hindu festival of Navaratri.
Kali Puja is West Bengal’s second largest festival, with thousands of local groups organising events and a huge police presence required to ensure law & order around the city.
While CAB president Snehasish Ganguly denied any “official request” for a schedule adjustment, senior CAB officials are well aware that the Kolkata Police Department has already raised this matter.
“Kolkata Police has cited concerns to provide security for the match slated on Diwali. We have informed the ICC and BCCI to reschedule it and if does not happen we would inform this to the the chief minister,” a senior CAB office-bearer, and member of the ICC and BCCI inspection team, averred.
CAB chairman Ganguly delivered a reserved response to reporters following the ICC’s inspection and meeting, which lasted more than three hours.
“We have not yet got anything officially from the Kolkata Police,” Snehasish, elder brother of former BCCI president and India captain Sourav Ganguly, said.
“Unless we get something officially, we can’t inform the ICC. Security issue is being taken care of by the Kolkata Police. That is not our look-out.” “As I said, we have not got anything officially, if we get anything we will inform ICC.”
“We went to Kolkata Police for a courtesy visit two days ago, we had a discussion with them. We schedule, plan and how we are preparing the stadium were discussed,” Snehasish added.
CAB chief Ganguly delivered a reserved answer to media following the ICC’s three-hour inspection and discussion.
“They don’t have much observations. They are satisfied with the progress work, they are very happy with the club house, media centre and corporate box work,” he stated.
“There were a little bit of issues in washroom, and broadcast people have a few demands as they have a bit of space constraints for commentary box.
“We are trying our best to carve out some more space for them. Overall, they are happy with the inspection. Looking at the progress, we will be finishing our work before the deadline. ,” he added.
