India vs Australia | Saurashtra propsose hosting fourth ODI amidst Indo-Pak tension: Reports

The simmering tension at the border between the countries has now started affecting other things as well. Since the Pulwama terror attack, which took the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel on Februrary 14, India and Pakistan have been in a state of war with India doing an air strike that was followed by Pakistan. 

The situation had become so bad that the government had even ordered a temporary shutdown of ten airports in Northern India. Though matters have improved in the last two days, the PCA stadium in Mohali would be a risky venue for an ODI as it has been placed dangerously close to a key Indian Air Force base and located directly in its flight path.

Hence, reports had emerged stating that the day-night match at Mohali could have to be shifted out for logistical reasons. PCA’s proximity to the air base was the sole reason the ground wasn’t allowed to build conventional tall light towers in the first place.

While BCCI is yet to decide on its course of action, an email has been sent by SCA secretary Madhukar Worah to BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary about the availability of the stadium.

The mail read, “"This is with reference to news article on possibilities of India vs Australia ODIs to be shifted from Mohali and Delhi in prevailing situation. Kindly be informed, the SCA Stadium and its ground is all prepared to host an ODI if it's required to be shifted."

However, the good news has been that Australian players remain assured of India’s ability to provide top security as was evident by Glenn Maxwell’s statement on Wednesday night. The batsman stated that he had full faith in their embassy who would sit with the team and issue guidelines.