Dharamsala is right place to host Indo-Pak tie: Anurag Thakur

Himachal Pradesh hill resort, Dharamsala will provide the right weather to host the high-octane league stage match of the ICC World T20 championship between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on March 19, 2016, said BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur.

Himachal Pradesh hill resort, Dharamsala will provide the right weather to host the high-octane league stage match of the ICC World T20 championship between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on March 19, 2016, said BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur.

Members of the South African cricket team warm up with a football before the first T20 cricket match between India and South Africa at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. (AFP)

“Looking at the heat generated while the discussion was on whether the series will be held between India and Pakistan, it needed a cooler weather and Dharamsala gives the right atmosphere,” said Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association’s president Thakur at the launch of the mega event at Mumbai on Friday.

“Thodi si thandi jagah honi chahiye jaha pe itna garam match ho (There should be some cold place where such a ‘hot’ match will take place),” quipped the BJP Member of Parliament.

While India won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2007, Pakistan followed suit to win it next two years later.

The two arch-foes have not clashed with each other in a bilateral series since 2012-13 when Pakistan visited India to play a few ODI and T20 Internationals.

Chances of a renewal of the much-awaited bilateral series between the two neighbours this month in a neutral venue --Sri Lanka -- is still hanging in the balance.