We did not say ‘no’ to IPL. We just said we cannot give drinking water for IPL CM Devendra Fadnavis.
New Delhi/Kolkata : A scramble has begun among the IPL stakeholders to stage the matches that were to be played in Maharashtra but have been shifted on account of drought.
Industrialist Ness Wadia, who is a part owner of the Punjab franchise, has already pitched for the three of their matches that were to be played in Maharashtra. These matches are now likely to go the Dharamshala and Mohali. It is understood that BCCI general secretary Anurag Thakur, who hails from Himachal Pradesh, has been keen on Dharamshala showcasing one of the matches. The city had lost a T20 match owing to objections from the Pakistan officials recently.
The Cricket Association of Bengal, too, has thrown its hat in the ring and is inclined to host the coveted final of the Indian Premier League at Eden Gardens, in case the BCCI fails to obtain a stay order from Supreme Court.
“The CAB has already organised two high-profile World Cup games (India v/s Pakistan) and the World Cup final between West Indies and England successfully,” Subir Ganguly told PTI. So, Bangalore and Kolkata could be the beneficiaries in terms of marquee matches and Kings XI Punjab could get to play in hometown Mohali their three ‘home’ matches scheduled in Nagpur.
Ranchi and Cuttack are two other venues that have experience of hosting IPL games. Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s hometown Ranchi had hosted Chennai Super Kings’ ‘home’ matches and the Indian skipper is possibly angling for some more games. Raipur, which is hosting two matches and has a capacity of 50,000 plus, could be a dark horse.
The BCCI is expected to appeal in the Supreme Court for a stay order; nonetheless, the top brass is working on a contingency plan. One safe option for the BCCI is Eden Gardens where the final can be held on May 29. Since Bangalore is hosting the first qualifier, Kolkata can also host the Eliminator. The main factor that can swing it in Eden’s favour is the capacity of 67,000, as against 25,000 at the Chinnaswamy.
From the franchise’s end, Delhi Daredevils CEO Hemant Dua said that they are awaiting instructions from the BCCI. Daredevils will have three of their matches shifted in case BCCI does not get a stay order. “At this point we don’t have any information about what are the possible venues. We are awaiting instructions from the BCCI,” said Dua. Main input PTI.
