Anti-Terrorist Front of India threatens to dig up Eden Gardens pitch

Anti-Terrorist Front of India (ATFI) , which has been stridently opposing the Pakistan cricket team playing in India, on Wednesday threatened to dig up the pitch at Eden Gardens here that is hosting the high-voltage India-Pakistan tie in the World Twenty20.

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 organisation had also threatened to dig up the pitch at the HPCA stadium in Dharamshala which was scheduled to host the March 19 India-Pakistan match.

Citing security reasons, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday relocated the India vs Pakistan group stage match to Kolkata.