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Setback to BCCI: HC orders to shift IPL matches post April 30 to venues outside Maharashtra

Mumbai, Apr 13: In a landmark judgement, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday asked the BCCI to shift 13 IPL matches scheduled after April 30 to venues outside Maharashtra.

IPL Special Site; Points Table; Photos

At a time when the state was reeling under severe drought conditions, the high court has allowed the board to conduct IPL matches till April 30 in the state.

Shift 13 matches out of Maha: HC to BCCI


This ruling could be termed as a massive setback to the BCCI which was making every last ditch effort to prevent shifting of match venues as it would amount to loss to its exchequer.

Earlier today, the board informed the Bombay High Court that it was not feasible to shift IPL matches out of Pune and and Mumbai. (Can't shift IPL matches out of Maha: BCCI to HC)

It also told the court that franchises of Mumbai and Pune teams were willing to contribute Rs five crore towards the Chief Minister's drought relief fund.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government too agreed to allow hosting IPL matches in the state if there is no misuse of drinking water.

"If there is no misuse of drinking water, then it would not be right to drive away IPL to another state," Maharashtra govt told the HC.

The BCCI spelt out its stand before a bench of Justices V M Kanade and M S Karnik, hearing a PIL by NGO Loksatta Movement challenging use of large quantities of water in stadiums at a time when the state was reeling under severe drought conditions.

BCCI's counsel Rafiq Dada also told the high court that the cricket board is ready to supply over 60 lakh litres of non-potable water to drought-hit areas in Maharashtra free of cost.

He said the water will be supplied in support with Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC), Mumbai Cricket Association and Maharashtra Cricket Association.

"It would not be feasible to shift matches out of Pune as it will disturb the Pune team's brand value and economic balance," he said.

The franchises of Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiants are willing to contribute Rs five crore to the CM's drought relief fund, Dada said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the board officials informed the High Court that all the stadiums in the state will use treated sewage water to maintain pitches and ground turf during IPL matches.

The two teams from Maharashtra i.e. Rising Pune Supergiants and Mumbai Indians will play a total of 17 matches in Pune and Mumbai. Off these 17 matches 9 will be played in Pune while 8 will be played in Mumbai.

OneIndia News

Story first published: Thursday, August 3, 2017, 7:31 [IST]
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