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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) on notice, saying Jaipur can only host Indian Premier League (IPL) matches once the state board resolves its administrative issues.
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, speaking to select media during the IPL auction in Abu Dhabi, reiterated that the directive to the state association has been clear for some time.
“We had written to the state body last time around that until and unless they conduct the RCA elections and get an elected body in place, it would be difficult for us to take the IPL to the venue,” Arun Dhumal was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
“As of now, they have not conducted the elections, and the facility, as such, has to be looked at by the franchise
to see if they find it fit enough to host their games. Once we do that due diligence and if the RCA is able to conduct their elections smoothly and fairly, we will consider that as a winner,” he added.
Why No Election?
For the past two years, the RCA has been managed by an ad hoc committee appointed by the Rajasthan state government, headed by Deen Dayal Kumawat.
Despite Jaipur serving as the home base of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for nearly 18 years, this uncertainty has led the franchise to explore alternatives.
Where Will RR Play IPL Home Matches?
As per reports, RR are considering shifting some matches to Pune and had even conducted a reconnaissance of the city.
Responding to these developments, the RCA has stated it has not received any formal communication from the BCCI but is in dialogue with the Rajasthan Royals.
“From our side, we are prepared to host IPL matches at the SMS Stadium (in Jaipur). We have held discussions with the RR management. If the BCCI has any issues with the RCA, we will take them up with the state government and address them as well,” Kumawat told Cricbuzz.
Clarifying the board’s stance further, Dhumal said, “We had already communicated to them last year that in case they are not able to organise these elections, it would be difficult for us to conduct the tournament there. As of now, that has not happened. So, until and unless they conduct those elections and a newly elected body comes in, and the facility is good enough to take care of IPL games, we will watch the situation and take the right action in due course.”
