Political slugfest mars day one of HP-Goa Ranji match

In a dramatic turn of events, the Ranji Trophy Group C match between Himachal Pradesh and Goa was cancelled but later resumed today after BCCI president N Srinivasan intervened to sort out a political tug of war.
The Ranji Trophy match was initially cancelled after the Congress-led state government took charge of the Cricket Association, which was controlled by opposition BJP MP Anurag Thakur, in a midnight coup here.
The match started after the state government ministers spoke to Srinivasan, who assured them of full cooperation in the matches at the venue.
Two Himachal Ministers, GS Bali and Sudhir Sharma said, "BCCI president Sirinivasan have a telephonic talk with us and after listening briefing of the situation have assured co-operation for the conduct of board matches fixed for Dharamsala.

"This ground is now open to cricket, and all the scheduled matches including IPL shall continue as per time table."
Earlier, in a late night operation, the Kangra district administration took over the HPCA stadium as well as 'The Pavillion' hotel here.

When contacted, Thakur, son of former Chief Minister P K Dhumal, said the cancellation of HPCA land leases would be challenged in court.
District Sports Officer Mahender Pratap Bharadiya has been given charge of the stadium for the time being.
HPCA spokesperson Sanjay Sharma, who reached the spot after the official had entered the stadium, opposed the authorities by saying that the cricket body was not informed about the action on time. He also refused to receive the copy of takeover orders.

The authorities told the HPCA official that no activity could be undertaken in the stadium without permission.
Later the authorities also took over 'The Pavilion' hotel, and another HPCA stadium at Nadaun in adjoining Hamirpur district, which Thakur's constituency.