New Delhi, Mar 23 : Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday dismissed criticism made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials against the Central Government for moving the Indian Premier League (IPL) out of the country.

"I have read a number of statements of the IPL decision which obliquely criticise the Central Government. These statements require an answer. Some unwarranted comments also deserve a rejoinder," Chidambaram told a press conference here.

On Sunday, BCCI president Shashank Manohar blamed the Central Government's attitude for moving the IPL tournament out of the country.

The Union Minister, however, termed the remarks entirely unwarranted.

"If Manohar was referring to the Central Government. The remark is entirely unwarranted. It is contrary to the letter of March 4, 2009, wherein the BCCI Secretary N. Srinivasan said that they would not ask for central paramilitary forces to provide security for matches," he added.

The BCCI on Sunday decided to move the second edition of the Twenty20 tournament out of the country after the board held an emergency meeting to discuss matters related to this year's IPL matches and determine a course of action that would be acceptable to all the stakeholders and the Union Home Ministry.

The tournament is likely to be held in England from April 10 to May 24. (ANI)