India-Pak match will draw huge crowd anywhere: Shastri

India cricket team director Ravi Shastri on Wednesday said the India-Pakistan World Twenty20 encounter will draw huge crowd wherever it will be staged.

The game which was scheduled to be played in Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh on March 19, was on Wednesday shifted to the historic Eden Gardens here for security reasons.

Before the final decision was out on the venue of the marquee clash, Shatri said: “Where we play we don’t know. But Indo-Pak tie will draw huge crowd wherever it will be played. And when you are playing at home, majority of the crowd will be behind India.” 

Speaking about the threat from Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir who bowled brilliantly against India in the recently concluded Asia Cup, Shastri said: ”You are speaking about a game that happened last week and we play them again one month later. We all know he bowled beautifully but then everyday can’t be his day. You have to think of what is ahead.”

Asked if Indian speedster Mohammad Shami will play in the practice games, Shastri said he will have to.

“Shami is in the 15 (member squad), he will have to play,” he said.

The 53-year-old also said he is facing a ‘problem of plenty’ with the squad but believes that is what adds to the bench strength of the side.