Published: Apr 09, 2016, 09:45 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 09, 2016, 09:45 PM (IST)
The ninth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has created a stir in Maharashtra over the issues of drought. As Maharashtra is facing some serious water crisis, there is a demand of the matches being rescheduled at a different venue. READ: #IPL4DroughtVictims trends ahead of Mumbai Indians vs Rising Pune Supergiants IPL 2016 opener
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he does not mind IPL fixtures being rescheduled and moved away from the state. This sparked little tension in the committee as BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur expressed his concerns and spoke about the loss Maharashtra would suffer if the IPL matches are moved away. ALSO READ: Will shifting IPL out of Maharashtra solve the state’s drought issue? This guy has an answer!
Thakur was quoted in a report from PTI saying, “Maharashtra gains Rs 100 Cr from IPL and if the tournament goes out of the state, it will be a loss for the state.”
Thakur further explained the numbers are obtained by a research conducted by the BCCI after the previous edition of the IPL. On excessive water being used for the preparation of the venue, Fadnavis said, “aced with criticism over huge quantity of water usage for pitches for IPL, Fadnavis had yesterday said “we do not have any problem if IPL is shifted from Maharashtra this season. No potable water will be provided for IPL this year.”
Thakur further explained how the income generated from the coveted tournament can be used for the betterment of the masses in the drought-affected state by the government. The state will be hosting 18 IPL matches, which comprises of venues in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. He also elucidated that the Board is too worried about the shortage of water in the state and also stated that it won’t be utilising any potable water.
The franchises and BCCI will be putting forward their side to the Bombay High Court on April 12. Hopefully, things turn out well and the situation is tackled effectively. An NGO has appealed the Court and stated over 60 lakhs litres of water to be consumed to maintain the ground.
