Navi Mumbai, Jan 13: Navi Mumbai Police have informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of their inability to provide police bandobast for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) matches scheduled at the DY Patil Stadium in Nerul on January 15 and 16 due to the upcoming Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections. As a result, the two WPL matches are likely to be held without spectators.
Police deployment for elections
The decision follows the large-scale deployment of police personnel across the city for election duties on polling day and result day. Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe said, “With the entire force engaged in maintaining law and order during the election process, it would not be possible to spare additional manpower for international-level cricket matches. We have informed the same to BCCI.”
Closed-door matches likely
Officials said allowing spectators could lead to heavy crowds, traffic congestion and potential law-and-order issues. To avoid these risks, the matches will most likely be played in a ‘closed-door’ format, permitting entry only to players, match officials and organisers.
Formal communication to BCCI
Navi Mumbai Police formally communicated to the BCCI that security cover for the matches could not be provided on the specified dates after the election dates were announced.
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Elections remain priority
While the move has disappointed some cricket fans, the police have emphasised that ensuring a peaceful, transparent and fear-free election remains the administration’s top priority. The authorities have clarified that spectator entry at the stadium will resume after the completion of the election process.
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