Shift all IPL matches from drought-hit Maharashtra after Apr.30: Bombay HC

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday allowed the hosting of the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in Maharashtra till April 30, but said the rest of the games after that must be shifted out of the state.

The High Court was hearing a petition filed by NGO 'Loksatta Movement' against the hosting of the IPL matches in Maharashtra, which is facing severe water crisis at the moment.

Earlier in the day, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had agreed to supply 40 lakh litres of water to the drought-affected areas in the state besides agreeing to contribute Rs. five crore to the Chief Minister's Relief fund for the same cause.

The BCCI had yesterday told the High Court that they would use treated sewage water for the IPL matches, which will be supplied by the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITF).

In this regard, the RWITF has given their undertaking to supply the required amount of recycled sewage water for the stadiums in Mumbai and Pune.

Reflecting on the board's announcement, the court asked the state government to monitor the supply of promised water in the affected areas.

The High Court, however, slammed the state government, saying they have no objection if the matches are shifted out of the state but on the other hand is saying that shifting matches will not solve the problem.

The development means that Maharashtra would before the given date hold only seven matches, including the opening match of the ninth season of IPL that was held between Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiants at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.