IPL 2024: Jaipur to potentially miss out on hosting RR games over INR 34 crore dues towards state council

With less than a month remaining until the commencement of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), attention has turned sharply towards the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, and the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) office. The Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) has made a significant move by sealing both the iconic stadium and the RCA office. This decision follows the association's plea to extend the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the RSSC.

The RSSC, however, opted against extending the MoU, prompting the closure of the RCA office, alongside the esteemed Sawai Mansingh Stadium and its affiliated cricket academy. Karan Singh, the Sports Officer, disclosed that the initial MoU expired in July the previous year, and the subsequent one concluded on February 21. Despite efforts, the MoU renewal process remained incomplete, leaving an outstanding sum of INR 34 crore.

“MoU has ended. We have sent them notices many times. Rs 34 crore is due and hence we are here to take possession (of academy and stadium), the process that is needed to renew the MoU once it ended wasn't done,” Karan said as quoted by Daily Jagran.

Rajasthan Cricket Association under legal scrutiny ahead of IPL 2024

The Rajasthan Royals will kick off their campaign at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, facing off against the Lucknow Super Giants on March 24, which might need a shift in host matches for the Rajasthan franchise. Vaibhav Gehlot, the President of the Rajasthan Cricket Association, disclosed that the RCA had formally requested an extension for the MoU. Additionally, Gehlot mentioned that the financial dispute between the RCA and the sports council is presently under legal scrutiny.

“We have sent a request that the MoU should be extended, but it wasn't extended. We received notice two days back that the academy (RCA) and the stadium (Sawai Mansingh Stadium) will be seized by the sports council. The monetary case between RCA and the sports council is in court,” said Gehlot.

Also Read: Rajasthan Royals (RR) Schedule 2024, Time Table, Timings, Dates, Venues Details and PDF Download