×

IPL 2016: Odisha Cricket Association willing to host matches scheduled to be played at Maharashtra if BCCI gives green signal

OCA secretary said they are interested to conduct IPL matches at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.

OCA secretary added if the BCCI asks us to organise the matches and Odisha government provides all supports, we are ready to conduct the matches in the state © Getty Images (representational photo)
OCA secretary added if BCCI asks them to organise the matches and Odisha government provides all supports, they are ready to conduct the matches in the state © Getty Images (representational photo)

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) secretary Ashirbad Behera on Friday said the governing body is ready to conduct Indian Premier League (IPL) matches shifted out of Maharashtra. “We are interested to conduct IPL matches at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. But, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is yet to approach us,” said Behera. The Bombay High Court on Wednesday said all the IPL matches scheduled to be played in Maharashtra from April 30 onwards should be shifted out from the state due to an acute water crisis. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: Delhi Daredevils vs Kings XI Punjab, 7th T20 Match, IPL 2016

“If the BCCI asks us to organise the matches and Odisha government provides all supports, we are ready to conduct the matches in the state,” added the OCA secretary. He, however, said that OCA would not approach the BCCI as the franchises of IPL have to take a call over selection of venues to hold the matches. He said the BCCI has so far not approached the Odisha Cricket Association in this regard. Earlier, the OCA organised Women’s World Cup group matches involving Pakistan in 2013 after Pakistan’s matches were shifted out of Mumbai following protests by the Shiv Sena. IPL 2016: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis refuses potable water for IPL 9 matches; accepts venue changes

Due to lack of potable water, the need was felt to shift the matches out of Maharashtra. State’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also said that since Maharshtra is going through drought, it is better that matches  are shifted outside but their government will not provide potable water for the matches.

trending this week