In a move which spews fresh trouble for BCCI and IPL, the Rajasthan High Court, on Thursday issued notices to the state government
and the Board of Cricket for Control in India ( BCCI) in response to a PIL, which opposed the hosting of IPL matches in Jaipur as
the city is also reeling under severe drought.
The Court has asked why IPL matches are being shifted to Rajasthan from Maharashtra at a time when Rajasthan too, like
Maharashtra is facing extreme drought conditions.
The notices have been issued to the Public Health Engineering department (PHED), Water Resources Department, Sports and Youth department
and Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). The concerned parties have to file their replies latest by April 27.
A PIL was filed on Wednesday before Rajasthan High Court questioning the BCCI's decision to shift IPL matches to Jaipur from Mumbai and Pune.
Earlier the Bombay High Court had instructed that all matches post April 30 have to be shifted out of Maharashtra as the state is facing it's
worst drought in 5 years. Later, however, in response to a request by the BCCI citing logistical difficulties, the Bombay High Court allowed
the match between Rising Pune Super Giants and Mumbai Indians scheduled for May 1 to take place in Pune as planned.
The franchises from Maharashtra, Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiants, had thereby, been asked to select alternative home grounds among
Jaipur, Raipur, Vishakhapatnam and Kanpur.
Rising Pune Supergiants had opted for Vishakhapatnam while Mumbai Indians opted for the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur to be their home ground.
The Rajasthan Cricket Association had also shown enthusiasm in hosting these matches.
The matter comes up for hearing next week and the state government will have to file its reply then.
Last week, even the Karnataka High Court had asked the Bengaluru Water Board to make sure that no water is wasted during the IPL matches conducted
in Bengaluru. This order came after the Karnataka State Cricket Association assured that it would make arrangements for recycled water to be used
to water the grounds during the matches.