After Chennai, Delhi too may lose all IPL matches. While Chennai lost all CSK matches due to Cauvery river water sharing dispute, Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla might not be able to host any more matches this IPL season as civic authorities are not giving to clearance to use the stadium’s Old Clubhouse block.
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Besides hosting about 2000 spectators, this block also sports the commentator’s area and a stand for camera persons.
The issue has now moved to court. The dispute is sub-judice and the next hearing is on April 18.
While talking to a leading English daily newspaper, IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla, who had earlier backed Lucknow’s Ekana stadium to host IPL matches said, “We are hoping the court, which may hear the case in a day or two, allows cameras and the media in that section. If it does allow that, then we will definitely host the matches at Kotla.”
Back in January 2018, Rajiv Shukla held several rounds of talks with the executive body of Delhi Daredevils to host a couple of their home matches in Lucknow instead of Kanpur. However, after the inspection, the DD authorities were not ready to host their matches here as the Ekana stadium was not fully ready.
Now that all Chennai matches will be hosted in Pune, there is a slight chance that Uttar Pradesh might be able to host an IPL 2018 match.
While Kanpur’s Green Park has previously hosted IPL matches, this year Lucknow’s Ekana stadium will get preference due to proper air connectivity with other cities, stadium’s huge seating capacity of 50,000 people and top-notch hotels in Lucknow.
