Security concerns over WI/India clash

DHARMASALA, India, CMC- Security cover has been requested for the fifth One Day International (ODI) between the West Indies and India scheduled for the hillside town of Dharmasala October 20th.

The match is due to be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket (HPCA) Association Stadium but officials are taking no chances because of a conflict between HPCA and the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh.

HPCA has written to the district police and civil authorities requesting security cover and administrative support during the match, the second international fixture at the venue.

“We have written to the district police and the district administration requesting for security cover and support during upcoming ODI match between India and West Indies,” said HPCA spokesperson Sanjay Sharma.

“We hope for cooperation and support from both the district police and the civil administration to make the event successful”.

The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh and HPCA are locked in a fierce battle over alleged irregularities in the functioning of HPCA. The tussle between the Congress-led state government and the HPCA had forced officials to cancel Indian Premier League (IPL) matches this season at the HPCA stadium which hosted nine IPL matches in the last four seasons.

Dharamsala last hosted an international event when the India- England ODI was played here in January 2013.

West Indies upcoming tour of India includes five ODIs, a lone T20 and three tests matches.