AMN /
The Bombay High Court today directed Maharashtra not to host IPL matches scheduled after April 30. High Court ruling comes following reports of drought in many parts of Maharashtra
A division bench of Justices V M Kanade and M S Karnik today directed the Board of Control for Cricket in India- BCCI to shift all the 13 matches scheduled across Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur after 30th of April.
The Court observed that even though shifting IPL matches won’t solve the problem; but if water is diverted to drought hit areas, it can offer some respite. The bench added that shifting of IPL matches to another state can mark a beginning towards addressing drought situation in Maharashtra.
Earlier today, the Board of Control for Cricket in India- BCCI informed the court that it was not feasible to shift IPL matches out of Maharashtra. BCCI said the two franchises Mumbai and Pune are willing to contribute Rs 5 crore towards CM’s drought relief fund. It also said that cricket associations in the state will ensure 60 lakh litres of treated sewage water is supplied free of cost to any region selected by the government.
The court has instructed Maharashtra Government to monitor that the water promised by BCCI is supplied to affected areas. The Court also rapped the government for its lax attitude towards the issue and for passing the buck to municipal corporations. Stating that the Court can’t close its eyes from the plight of millions, the bench proposed to monitor the state water policy.