HC allows first IPL match, asks BCCI to move others

At least show that you [BCCI] care. People and cattle are dying. The water situation is worsening with every passing minute.

BOMBAY HIGH COURT

The Bombay high court on Thursday allowed Mumbai to host the inaugural IPL match on April 9, but kept hanging in the balance till Tuesday the fate of 19 other ties to be held across drought-hit Maharashtra.

It also reprimanded the state government for wasting water on playgrounds at a time when “people are dying” owing to shortages and asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to decide on shifting the remaining matches from the state.

“At least show that you care. People and cattle are dying. The water situation is worsening with every passing minute,” a division bench of justices VM Kanade and MS Karnik said while hearing an NGO’s petition against holding the T20 tournament in the state.

The court is likely to take a decision on the remaining matches on April 12, three days after the Wankhede stadium hosts the first match of the IPL’s ninth edition. Nineteen more matches are scheduled to be played in Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune.

The bench was particularly harsh on the BCCI — described by the SC as a “mutually beneficial society” two days ago — after its counsel said that the pitches will die a natural death if not watered daily.

CONTINUED ON P13

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