Nobody raised these issues during World T20 says Rajeev Shukla on IPL-drought controversy

"Organising the IPL is a gigantic work. It's not easy. All preparations had been done, completed. Now shifting the matches will be a problem.

"So far, we have not got the written order, after we get that, we will study the order and 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," IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla was quoted as saying by PTI.

BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur insisted that IPL were planning to use treated sewage water for the grounds.

"We are not using drinking water, we have said that we'll use treated sewage water only. How many swimming pools of 5-star hotels have been shut? Have people stopped watering their lawns?

"There is an attempt to create negativity on every issue these days. IPL was to use 0.00038 percent of water so that shows the requirement was not much," Thakur said.

Shukla added that the BCCI was willing to contribute to the relief fund for the drought, and questioned why no issues were raised during the World T20. He said, "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.

"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.

"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.

"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”.

Meanwhile, Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia has supported the Bombay High Court's decision saying, "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”.