Tension raises questions on Mohali, Delhi ODIs vs Aus
CHANDIGARH: Tension along the Indo-Pak border has forced BCCI to explore secondary options just in case the situation escalates, especially for the fourth ODI slated to be played in in Mohali on March 10.
CoA chief Vinod Rai said in New Delhi that both the Mohali and Delhi (which hosts the fifth ODI) matches are on and there are no worries. He, however, added that there is back-up for every venue in case of emergency.
Saurashtra Cricket Association confirmed they have sent a message to the Board that they are willing to host an ODI in Rajkot and it has been learnt from sources that Bengaluru has been kept on standby for the Mohali ODI.
Both PCA and Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) said they have not
›
The matches (in Delhi and Mohali) are on. There are no problems. But we have standby for every venue. VINOD RAI, CoA chief
received any communication with regards to security. The Delhi match is scheduled on March 13.
“We have already started the online sale of tickets for higher denomination (Enclosures ~5,000, Elite Lounge and South Pavilion ~3,500), while the physical sale of tickets in banks and stadium counters will start on March 4.
“We are confident that by March 10, the situation will improve and stabilise for the match to take place,” said PCA secretary RP Singla.
He said he is in touch with the BCCI top brass and there has been no talk of shifting the match adding that the association is also in touch with Punjab Police, responsible for providing security for the match.
‘LENGTHY MEETING’
“We had a lengthy meeting with Mohali SSP HS Bhullar on Wednesday with regards to security of teams right from airport to the venue. We are expecting a full house,” Singla said.
However, an association official said on condition of anonymity, “We understand the situation is fluid right now, so according to me Bengaluru is likely to be the back-up venue asked to be ready.”
The five-match series, which is India’s last ODI assignment before the World Cup, starts on Saturday in Hyderabad.
They play in Nagpur (March 5) and Ranchi (March 8) after that.