‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ - Fans react as CAB President Snehasish Ganguly promises tight security for Pakistan in 2023 ODI World Cup at Eden Gardens

The full schedule of the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup got announced on 27 June. However, Pakistan will begin their campaign on 6 October against a qualifier team in Hyderabad. On the same ground, they will play another qualifier team on 12 October as their second game. However, they will play two matches at Eden Gardens, Kolkata also.

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First, they will take on Bangladesh on 31 October while taking England on 12 November at the same venue. Now, regarding that, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President, Snehasish Ganguly confirms tight security on Pakistan matches. He also claimed that Pakistan’s first preference was Kolkata, followed by Chennai and Bengaluru. 

“But their first preference is Kolkata, followed by Chennai and Bengaluru.” - Snehasish Ganguly 

Eden Gardens have managed to get five matches in total, including a semi-final. So, Ganguly said: "We are satisfied. I really want to thank Jay Shah, the Indian Cricket Board and the Apex Council of Cricket. I was working for the last 4 months. I have been working for the good matches. We show the designs and everything. We have got the best ground in the IPL. We never had question mark about this. So a lot of plus minus includes in these kinds of decisions. Jay Shah promised to give me good matches. I thanked Mr. Jay Shah and the Indian Cricket Board that they have a good perspective about Eden Gardens."  

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During the 2016 20-20 World Cup, India vs Pakistan fixture got shifted to Eden Gardens from Dharamsala due to security concerns. "We have already hosted India vs Pakistan in T20Is. But we are having two Pak matches. These matches are tough. Organising a World Cup is challenging. We are prepared to take any kind of challenges. In all the IPL matches we had lovely crowd,” he further added.

“I am very confident about hosting the matches. Special security arrangements will be there for Pakistan. I think Pakistan has played previously in Kolkata. I don’t know the inside story. But their first preference is Kolkata, followed by Chennai and Bengaluru. I have faith on Kolkata Police. The security system will be tighter than the normal matches. I have also faith on CM Mamata Banerjee and administration,” the CAB President concluded. 

Here is how fans have reacted:

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Terrorist cricketers should be banned in India

— Śexobeat (@from__mars__) June 28, 2023

Pakistani players knows which is best stadium for them 😎

— Gian x Dhoni 💜💛 (@savagestranger3) June 28, 2023

Thank you from Pakistan 🇵🇰

— Hamzahabout (@Hamzahabout31) June 28, 2023

Pakistani bengal board of india

— Aryan kruger (@Aryanexists) June 28, 2023

Kolkata m bulle jada h

— shawtyy (@bumbumchick_) June 28, 2023

it is the public who needs security from them 😂

— Not Shashwat (@kyayaarshash) June 28, 2023

Why security for Pakistan, We all should respect them as guest ♥️

— Saiprasanth🏏🇮🇳 (@Saipras187) June 28, 2023

Ami Tuma Ke Bhalo Bhashi Kolkata ❤❤

— Sameel Khan 🇵🇰 (@Wameel08) June 28, 2023

Bengal me aadhe se jayada to unke hi supporter honge jo bangladesh se aaye hai

— Velha (@panditrockss) June 28, 2023