New Delhi: The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) on Wednesday expressed readiness to host the coveted final of Indian Premier League (IPL) in case the BCCI fails to get a stay order from Supreme Court on Bombay High Court's verdict of shifting 13 matches in May out of drought-hit Maharashtra.
CAB secretary Subir Ganguly said that if BCCI feels the match should be allocated to Eden Gardens, they will be happy to host it.
We are not going to go up and say anything but in case BCCI wants Eden to host the final, we are always ready. Who will refuse an IPL final? The CAB has already organised two high-profile World Cup games (India vs Pakistan) and (World Cup final between West Indies and England) successfully," Ganguly said on Wednesday.
While Bangalore and Kolkata can be gainers in terms of marquee matches, Kings XI Punjab could get to play their three 'home' matches scheduled in Nagpur in their original hometown of Mohali or at the picturesque Dharamsala.
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Ranchi and Cuttack are two venues, which have experience of hosting IPL games. Mahendra Singh Dhoni's hometown has hosted erstwhile Chennai Super Kings' 'home' matches just like Cuttack has hosted KKR and Hyderabad as their second 'home'.
Raipur, which hosts two Daredevils matches, and has a capacity of 50,000 plus could also turn out to be an option. Chennai's Chepauk under the aegis of TNCA could have been one venue but they still have the problem regarding three stands where no tickets can be sold as it does not have the necessary clearance.
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While BCCI is expected to appeal in the Supreme Court for a stay order, the top brass is currently bracing up with a contingency plan.
The two safest options for BCCI are Kolkata's Eden Gardens where the final can be held on May 29. While Bangalore is already hosting the first qualifier, Kolkata can also host the Eliminator. The main factor that can swing it in Eden's favour is the capacity of 67,000 people compared to 25,000 at the Chinnaswamy.
From the franchise's end, Delhi Daredevils CEO Hemant Dua said that they are awaiting instructions from the BCCI. Daredevils will have three of their matches shifted in case BCCI does not get a stay order.
At this point we don't have any information about what are the possible venues. We are awaiting instructions from BCCI," said Dua.
Matches set to be shifted:
Matches in Pune: Pune vs Mumbai (May 1); Pune vs Hyderabad (May 10); Pune vs Delhi (May 17); Pune vs Punjab (May 21); Eliminiator (May 25); Qualifier (May 27)
Matches in Mumbai: Mumbai vs Hyderabad (May 8); Mumbai vs Punjab (May 13); Mumbai vs Delhi (May 15); Final (May 29)
Matches in Nagpur: Punjab vs Delhi (May 7); Punjab vs Bangalore (May 9); Punjab vs Hyderabad (May 15)
