Just a month before the commencement of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur, designated to host Rajasthan Royals’ games, finds itself embroiled in controversy. The Rajasthan Sports Council has taken the drastic step of sealing the stadium, along with the Rajasthan Cricket Association’s (RCA) office and academy, citing non-payment of dues and failure to fulfill liabilities.
The move follows a notice issued by the Rajasthan Sports Council secretary, Sohan Ram Choudhary, demanding the handover of the property to the state council, which the RCA allegedly did not comply with. Consequently, the state sports council proceeded to seal the properties, highlighting the RCA’s purported failure to adhere to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and clear pending dues.
RCA president Vaibhav Gehlot has decried the action as politically motivated, emphasizing the lack of adequate time given to respond to the allegations. Gehlot asserts that while there are outstanding dues amounting to Rs 8 crore, the sudden sealing of the stadium, particularly ahead of the IPL, reflects political vendetta rather than genuine concerns.
Amidst the upheaval, assurances have been made that the venue will still host IPL matches and other scheduled games, ensuring that players receive all necessary facilities. However, the timing and circumstances of the sealing have raised eyebrows and prompted concerns about the potential impact on upcoming matches.
RCA’s next course of action remains uncertain, with Gehlot indicating consultations with legal experts to address the matter effectively. Nevertheless, the scheduled IPL matches, including Rajasthan Royals’ opening encounter against Lucknow Super Giants on March 24 and the subsequent clash with Delhi Capitals on March 28, are set to proceed at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium.
As the cricketing fraternity awaits further developments, the incident underscores the complex intersection of sports and politics, leaving stakeholders grappling with the ramifications as the IPL season draws near. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation.
