IPL 2019 | KXIP and DC lock horns over securing Ekana Stadium as second home

While the auction for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is a fortnight away, franchises already started to lock horns but this time to secure the services of Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. Both Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals are vying to secure the stadium which recently hosted the West Indies-Afghanistan series as the former's second home.

Chairman cum MD of Ekana Group, Uday Sinha shared that while dialogues are continuing with both the north Indian franchises, the views of Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) and Board of Cricket Control In India (BCCI) will also be taken into consideration before the final decision. Sinha also expressed that two IPL franchises vying to secure their services are obviously a matter of pride.

"We are speaking to both Kings XI as well as Delhi Capitals and we are yet to come to a decision on this. We will have to wait and see how it goes as the views of the BCCI and UPCA will also be taken into account apart from the discussions that are held with the two franchises.

"It is one of the best stadiums in the country and feels really good to see the interest. Also, the revenue generated for the game between India and West Indies (debut game at the venue) was a record," India Today quoted Sinha as saying.

A BCCI official, according to an India Today report, revealed that Punjab was the first team to approach UPCA regarding the venue as they did so since the previous season of the mega T20 event.

“KXIP have been looking to move to the city since the last edition and had even sent in a request. But polls had played a major role in causing a delay in the shift," the source revealed.