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BHUBANESWAR: As the state pads up to host women cricketers from Pakistan in the ensuing ICC world cup, protesting outfits on Friday hardened their stance saying they would create law and order problems.Bajrang Dal state coordinator Ramaballav Rath said, "We have been urging the government not to allow Pakistani players to come to our state. When their soldiers are beheading our jawans then how can we allow them to play cricket on our soil? During Cuttack bandh on Thursday, we got overwhelming support from the public, and we expect the same when we chase Pakistani cricketers right from their arrival to departure." ABVP leader Tatwadarshee Dash supplemented, "We have inputs that for security reasons, Pakistani team would arrive on Sunday instead of Saturday. But we would keep vigil at the airport on both these days. We are determined to oppose them not only at the airport, but at the hotel, stadium and where ever they go."President of Utkal Bharat Kharabela Swain said, "We had submitted a memorandum to Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha not to provide accommodation to Pakistani players in their hotels. Today too, we held street corner meetings in the capital and tried to gather more public support."Meanwhile, ECoR authorities on Friday confirmed that they have been asked by ministry of railways to provide the ECoR Stadium in the capital for some matches. Chief PRO of ECoR R N Mohaptara said, "We received a communication from the ministry to make available our ground for the ICC women's cricket tournament."

However, Odisha Cricket Association secretary Ashirbad Behera had a different take on the venue change issue. He said, "There are three stadiums available for the tournament. Apart from Barabati, both DRIEMS and ECoR grounds are good enough to host the matches. We have not yet received any official confirmation. But matches would be held on two of the grounds, whereas the third may be used for practice purposes."

On relocation of matches to ECoR stadium, he said, "Security to players is a major concern and the state government would definitely take care of that. As far as venue change is concerned, definitely the ICC and the Bwould take a call on that. "