The Board of Control for Cricket in India has issued an ultimatum to the Rajasthan Cricket Association to be eligible to host IPL matches in Jaipur. RCA can only host IPL matches in Jaipur if and only if they hold an election.
Speaking to the media, the IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal said, "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.”
He also added that, “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. 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.”
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RCA conflicts with BCCI
For the last two years, the Rajasthan Cricket Association has been administered by an HOC committee, which was appointed by the State Government. Deen Dayal Kumawat has been running the unelected body for the last two years, during which the Jaipur-based franchise Rajasthan Royals is now exploring the options to set the matches in and also did a recce in order.
As quoted by Cricbuzz, RCA said, "From our side, we are prepared to host IPL matches at the Sawai Man Singh 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."
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On that note, speaking to Cricbuzz, Dhumal clarified that the BCCI had already informed the concerned authorities last year that failure to conduct the elections would make it difficult to host the tournament at the venue. He pointed out that the elections are yet to take place and added that until a newly elected body is in place and the facilities are deemed fit to host IPL matches, the board will continue to monitor the situation and take an appropriate decision in due course.
