MCA moves SC against shifting of IPL matches from Maharashtra

As per a report in the Hindu, the cricket association in its plea said that they will not be using potable water for cricket pitches, but will be using sewage treated water instead. The plea was mentioned before a bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Shiva Kirti Singh, by senior advocate Kapil Sibal

The Bombay High Court had ordered the shifting of all IPL matches in the month of May out of the drought-hit state on April 13. Although the court accepted the BCCI’s plea to hold the Maharashtra derby between Rising Pune Supergiants and Mumbai Indians on May 1 due to logistical difficulties, the other 12 matches including the finale on May 29, was ordered to be moved to a separate location.

The High Court’s order to shift the matches came despite the BCCI’s assurance of using sewage treated water instead of potable water. Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiants had also agreed to contribute Rs.5 crore each to Chief Minister’s drought relief fund.

After the Bombay High Court’s order, Mumbai Indians had opted for Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium as their new home venue, while Rising Pune Supergiants had opted for Vishakhapatnam. Kings XI Punjab, who were supposed to play three home matches in Nagpur, will now play the three matches in HPCA stadium in Dharamsala instead.

To add to the IPL’s woes, an NGO in Kanpur has filed a petition seeking the cancellation of matches to be held at the Greenpark stadium in Kanpur citing lack of water. Kanpur is scheduled to host two IPL matches of Gujarat Lions, first against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 19 and the second against Mumbai Indians on May 21. IPL is also facing a case in Rajasthan High Court against the holding of matches at the Sawai Mansingh stadium in Jaipur.