The shifting of India-Pak match of the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 from the picturesque Dharmsala in Himachal Pradesh to Kolkata, a metropolis comes with its own economic fall-out. The decision to shift the match which was expected to draw thousands of spectators from the region has come as shock to the business community. There are nearly 800 hotels and about 120 restaurants in Dharamsala and its surrounding areas. The shift means many rooms in those hotels, which were booked in advance, will now be cancelled and will result in a lot of financial loss to the hoteliers. Nearly 20,000 visitors are expected to come and for these hoteliers, restaurant owners, and tour and travel operators, the holding of such a mega event during the lean tourism period would have been an economic boon which they will miss for some time to come. India-Pakistan cricket is most anxiously watched by the people of the two countries and as far as gate money is concerned this is the largest money collector. So in this game of politics the adage one’s loss is another’s gain goes well here with now Kolkata stands a gainer in all terms. As per trade operatives about 4,000 rooms were booked in advance for the match. Now they will be cancelled. Other than that, taxi services, catering, laundry, tour and travel operators… all will be affected badly. These months are off season and the World Cup match was the only hope to earn some money. But the fight between BJP and Congress has ruined that opportunity for the tourism and hotel industry in Himachal Pradesh. Politics and nationalism apart, the cancelled fixture comes with economic repercussions. The India-Pak relations may be at its low politically but the 12th South Asian Games hosted last month in Shillong found the bonhomie among India and Pakistan athletes. It could be because compared to cricket rest all sporting activities do not create the expected hype and glamour.
