BCCI working on alternate venue plan: Rajiv Shukla

The BCCI and the chairman of the IPL Rajiv Shukla have been left with a mammoth task of relocating 13 matches that were to be hosted by the state of Maharashtra. The move has come following a ruling from the Bombay High court stating regarding the water problems that are present in the state of Maharashtra.

The BCCI had illustrated a plethora of suggestions to the bench, only for them to address the matter at hand. Ness Wadia, a co-owner of the Kings XI Punjab was, however, pleased with the decision.

Addressing the media following the court battle, Rajiv Shukla said, “Organising the IPL is a gigantic work. It’s not easy.

“So far, we have not got the written order, after we get that, we will work out an alternative plan. We always respect the court. We need to talk to other franchises. Out of 19 matches in Maharashtra, 13 have to be moved out, we will have to work it out,” he added.

The BCCI had earlier agreed to sort out the issue by using sewage treated water for the pitches from the RWITC.

“The key problem is water for farmers, which we are trying to find a solution to. We were willing to give water, contribute to the CM’s fund. Now shifting matches will be a problem,” Shukla said.

“If matches are to be shifted, where will they be moved, how will they be moved, all these issues are involved. And this comes after nobody raised an issue about the 24 World Twenty20 matches that were held recently,” he said.

“Nobody raised these issues for six months. Whatever was required, we were willing to do. In fact, I would like to point out that a lot many other sports and cultural events are going on in Maharashtra, which also use water and they should also help,” he added.

“Not only sugar factories, construction should also be stopped. All golf courses, they require a huge amount of water, nothing is being done against these golf courses,” he said.

“Maharashtra has been under drought. It is a serious issue. I am very happy that we are looking after our fellow Maharashtrians. I am also from Mumbai,” he said.