Unbending HC gives strict orders to shift all IPL matches after 30th April outside Maharashtra

THE BOMBAY HIGH COURT on Wednesday gave stern orders to shift all IPL matches slotted to be held after 30th April outside of Maharashtra. As reported by ibnlive, The High Court told BCCI, 

"It wil be better off that matches are held outside the state. We cannot ignore the plight of the [drought-hit] people. State government has to monitor whether what has been assured is being done.”

With 4 matches in Mumbai, 6 in Pune and 3 in Nagpur, Maharashtra are scheduled to hold 13 IPL matches after 30th April. 

BCCI and the Rising Pune Supergiants told the Bombay High Court that they are willing to help the drought affected people. However, shifting IPL games out of Pune would not be feasible.

As reported by PTI, BCCI counsel Rafiq Dada responded to the PIL filed by NGO Loksatta in the High Court saying,

"It would not be feasible to shift matches out of Pune as it will disturb the Pune team's brand value and economic balance." 

He also appealed to the high court that the cricket board is ready to supply over 60 lakh litres of non-potable water to drought-hit areas in Maharashtra free of cost. In further deliberations with the BCCI, MCA and the applicants, BCCI stated that the franchises from Mumbai and Pune are willing to donate a sum of 5 crores to the Chief Minister’s drought fund. 

But Bombay High Court’s order will bring a huge blow to the two franchises, their investments and their supporters.