IPL 2018: Cauvery issue boils as Tamil outfits threaten to hold protest outside the Stadium

The first home game for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is once again under threat as the protests over Cauvery issue in the State has increased ahead of the game. MA Chidambaram Stadium is all set to host the much-awaited game between CSK and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Tuesday amidst calls to postpone or reschedule the matches in the city. The political parties and fumed people are hoping that the Indian cricket board respects their sentiments and support them in this cause.

However, the IPL Governing Council has cleared that all the matches will go as per schedule and there is no need to include IPL in political issues. Even the central government has assured them beefing up the security for the match as the players of KKR arrived in the city on Monday. While there is excitement among cricket fans of CSK playing their first home game in two years, this highly sensitive issue is kept the organisers on their toes.

Leaders of other party request cricketers

The political parties and outfits are still demanding that the BCCI should postpone the matches and are threatening to hold protests outside the Stadium. Pro-Tamil outfit Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) leader T Velmurugan warned of picketing the venue if the IPL continues as per the schedule in Chennai.

“If the match is held despite our plea, we will coordinate all democratic forces to stop it by organising a massive picketing protest. Many leaders and organisations will participate. Cricketers knowing Tamil, please understand our sentiments,” he was quoted as saying by PTI. He also made clear that they are not against the IPL or the players but was worried that the staging of matches will divert the attention of the youth from the Cauvery issue.

“Tamil Nadu is boiling…we are not saying there is no need for IPL. Please postpone (the matches). IPL will divert the awakening among the youth over Cauvery issue,” Velmurugan added. Meanwhile, CSK CEO K S Viswanathan has already made it clear that all the matches in Chennai will go as per schedule and the police will handle the situation accordingly.

[interaction id=”5aca2dc20b450df577763135″]

Here’s our video of the day:

Keep following CricTracker for more news and updates.