Ahmedabad & Rajkot shortlisted for Rajasthan Royals’ games, if Jaipur can’t host home matches.
So what if Amdavad couldn’t get its own team for the Indian Premier League (IPL), the city may still be hosting matches this April-May, courtesy ongoing tiff between the Rajasthan Cricket Association and the state’s sports council, which has threatened to derail IPL 6 matches to be held at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur.
Apart from Ahmedabad’s Motera ground, the newly-formed Khaderi Stadium in Rajkot may also benefit from the uncertainty prevailing in Jaipur. Reports suggest that the BCCI is looking to host them at alternative venues, Ahmedabad and Rajkot.
“We are trying to find a solution about Jaipur, because there are certain problems, certain issues, between the state association and government departments. So we are working on alternative venues also. The catchment area is Gujarat, so we are looking at Rajkot and Ahmedabad as alternative venues,” Rajiv Shukla IPL commissioner reportedly said.
When contacted the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) acknowledged the development. “The differences between RCA and Sports council are growing. They have been asked to resolve within a stipulated time. If the matches are shifted to Ahmedabad, we are ready to host them,” said Rajesh Patel, secretary, GCA.
According to Patel, if Motera hosts four matches it will be big achievement. “Despite not having a regular team if we host four matches it is an achievement. Also, in past, Rajasthan Royals have played their home matches on this ground. They are aware of facilities and logistic support they get. We have one of the best infrastructures in the country,” he added.
Khanderi ground that became 41st international ground in the subcontinent when it hosted India-England One Day international earlier this month, is also ready. “We haven’t received any communication. But even if we are informed two days before the game, we can host it,” said Niranjan Shah, secretary Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA).
Rajasthan Royals was thudded with star players from Gujarat including Yusuf Pathan, Siddharth Trivedi, Ravindra Jadeja and Amit Singh, among others during its initial years. In fact Jadeja, who now plays for Chennai Super Kings hogged the limelight and ultimately earned a place in Team India dressing room on the back of some outstanding performances for the Royals in the first two editions. Yusuf has shifted his loyalty to Shah Rukh Khan owned Kolkata Knight Riders. Siddharth Trivedi is the lone Gujarati in the team owned by Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and captained by Rahul Dravid.
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