Due to the ongoing farmer turmoil, the BCCI has decided to remove Mohali from the host list for the next IPL. The BCCI feels it would be a risk if there were agitation by farmers around the stadium, which “would attract the attention of the world’s media.”
Mumbai will also be carefully monitored for the worsening Covid-19 situation in the city. Under BCCI’s current plan, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru have been shortlisted.
“We don’t want a situation to arise where we have an IPL match in Mohali and a farmer agitation march moves towards the stadium. It will attract the attention of the media around the world. We don’t want such a situation to arise. Mohali is not among the shortlisted locations due to the current scenario in the northern part of India, ”a senior BCCI official told The Indian Express.
The Punjab Kings are based in Mohali but will not host matches.
Venues in Punjab were not allocated for the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 games due to fear of farmer agitation, the official said.
“Except in Punjab, we are monitoring most of the other places. The elections could also force some changes in the list of places, “added the BCCI official.
The exclusion of Mohali as the IPL host has not gone well. Punjab’s Chief Minister Amarinder Singh tweeted: “I am surprised by the exclusion of the Mohali Cricket Stadium for the next IPL season. I urge and appeal to @BCCI & @IPL to reconsider their decision. There is no reason why Mohali cannot host IPL and our government will make all necessary arrangements for security against # Covid19. “
On Tuesday, the Punjab Kings sent an email to BCCI asking for clarity on why Mohali was banned from hosting IPL matches. Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia said he was disappointed that Mohali had not been shortlisted even though the number of Covid-19 cases was low. “We have written to the BCCI to find out by what criteria they have selected the sites and why they have not selected us,” Wadia told PTI. “We were hoping to have games in Punjab.”
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