IPL 2018: MCA President brings forth benefits of playing in Pune

Cricket in Chennai has recently been jolted by a massive blow as the home matches of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have been shifted to Pune. The Cauvery Water Dispute (CWD) has been a major conundrum in the city and protests flooded in from the several parties and hence the stern decision has been taken.

The MA Chidambaram Stadium, also known as the Chepauk, recently hosted CSKs match with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). During the game, protesters flooded the vicinity of the stadium and shoes were pelted at Faf du Plessis and Ravindra Jadeja as well despite the tight security with was arranged to keep a check on any potential disaster during the game.

“Pune has many advantages”- Apte

Meanwhile, Abhay Apte, the President of the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA), highlighted the advantages of playing in Pune. “It is unfortunate that Chennai is losing out on home games. But Pune has many advantages. It has good revenue, and most of the important CSK players played for Pune, so they have the comfort and connect,” Apte was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

Also, he mentioned about the challenges they would be encountering ahead of hosting their maiden game this season in the league. “We will have to look at tax, revenue, permissions, police etc. It is a big challenge, but having hosted IPL before, we have a set template and the experience. Whatever time government requires to push the applications, that we will have to wait,” he added.

Chennai is scheduled to play their second home game against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) led by Ravichandran Ashwin on April 20. The political parties have pledged to run protests and not let the game happen if it’s staged at the Chepauk. Amidst the hullabaloo, the supporters in the city would be missing out on seeing their heroes wield their magic on the cricket pitch.

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