MCA moves SC against shifting of IPL matches out of Maharashtra

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Putting all speculation to rest, the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) on Friday moved the Supreme Court against the Bombay High Court order that Indian Premier League (IPL) matches be shifted out of the state.

It was on April 13 that the Bombay High Court had directed the MCA as well as the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI), which runs the cash-rich league, to shift matches out of the drought-hit state after April 30.

While the BCCI and MCA were mulling legal options in the wake of the decision, it was only the latter that moved the apex court on Friday. According to sources in the know, BCCI's decision to stay out of the current matter is linked to the larger battle it is waging with the apex court over the Lodha Committee recommendations.

Read more from our special coverage on "IPL"

• MCA moves SC against shifting of IPL matches from Maharashtra
• IPL Gov Council to discuss moving 10th edition abroad: BCCI secretary
• Citing drought, PIL seeks shifting of IPL matches from Raipur
• Problems related to IPL affect the franchises: Preity Zinta
• Bombay HC allows BCCI to hold May 1 IPL match in Pune

For the uninitiated, a Supreme-Court-appointed committee under retired Chief Justice of India R M Lodha had recommended sweeping reforms of the country's apex cricket administration board earlier this year. This included recommendations such as one-person-one-post, no proxy voting, no government minister or servant as a BCCI office-bearer and no two consecutive terms for a BCCI office-bearer.

The BCCI, along with state associations, had filed affidavits against the Lodha Committee recommendations soon after they were announced.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court had come down hard against the BCCI saying it was refusing reforms, prompting the latter to act upon one of the recommendations, which was to appoint a professional CEO to manage the day-to-day affairs of the board.

Media veteran Rahul Johri was chosen as the first CEO; he will take up his new position on June 1.

The MCA, represented by senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, said on Friday that shifting matches would be difficult given the logistical difficulties involved. He added the cricket association would use sewage-treated water instead of potable water to maintain the pitches.

The matter has been posted for April 25 in the Supreme Court by when the fate of 13 matches is expected to be decided once and for all.