Uncertainty looms large over the city’s chances of hosting this edition’s IPL matches as the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) and Rajasthan State Sports council (RSSC), which had expired last year, is yet to be renewed.
Rajasthan Royals though, are holding their camp at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, and team CEO, Raghu Iyer, and skipper, Rahul Dravid, are confident that the matter would be sorted out by the state government, RCA and RSSC.
“Yes there is an air of uncertainty over the venue. We have met the government, RSSC and the RCA officials and all of them want the IPL matches to held here only. We are part of the IPL and whatever BCCI says we will have to follow it,” Iyer said.
The MoU between RCA and RSCC regarding the use of the stadium had expired in August last year.
The RSCC was reluctant to renew it in present form and the RCA was not willing to relent either.
The row had robbed Jaipur’s chances of hosting the prestigious Irani Trophy match.
RSSC officials claimed that it was RCA who was guilty of taking the home advantage out of the equation.
“We had asked the RCA to apply for the ground and stage the match. They did not pay any heed and even then we handed over the ground without formalities. The government has intervened and assured that the Rajasthan Royals can directly acquire the ground for IPL matches,” said an RSSC official.
Reportedly, the BCCI has given RCA deadline till January 31 to make its position regarding MOU.
“BCCI has a policy under which it either gives matches to state association that has its own stadium or to those who have long-term MOU for their grounds. The RCA has to send the copy of MOU regarding SMS ground to BCCI, only then the IPL matches would be allowed here. The final decision in the matter of MOU would be taken by C.P Joshi, president of the RCA,” said K.K Sharma, the body’s officiating secretary.
src: NDTV Sports