IPL 2024 matches won’t be affected by water crisis in Bengaluru: KSCA

The ongoing water crisis in Bengaluru will have no bearing on the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) matches set to be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, said the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Chinnaswamy is slated to host three matches in the first 21 days of the 17th edition of the world’s richest cricket league. The remainder of the schedule will be released later after the dates for the general elections are finalised.
Bengaluru is reeling under a severe water crisis, the worst in the last four decades, and there have been calls from several quarters to shift the IPL games, beginning here on March 25, out of the city.
KSCA, however, said they following the guidelines set by the government. “We are facing no crisis – at the moment that is. We have received the state government pertaining to water usage and we (the KSCA office-bearers) are in constant meetings about following the guidelines,” Shubendu Ghosh, the CEO of Karnataka State Cricket Association, told PTI.
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) had issued a notice, barring the usage of potable water for any other purpose such as gardening or washing vehicles.
Ghosh exuded confidence that water from the sewage treatment plant inside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium will suffice for purposes like watering the outfield and pitch.
“We are already using water from the STP plant for watering outfield and pitch and other in-stadium purposes. We may require 10000-15000 litres of water for match purposes, and we are certain that it can be generated from the STP plant.
“We don’t need to use groundwater (for any watering purpose). Yes, we are having a closer look at the government’s new policy on water usage, but we are confident of meeting all the points in the order,” said Ghosh.
In the first IPL match of this season, local franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on Punjab Kings on March 25, and four days later they will face Kolkata Knight Riders.
In the third match at home, RCB will be up against Lucknow SuperGiants on April 2.
The officials of Royal Challengers, a pioneer in green initiatives like reviving the city’s lakes, also sounded confident of conducting the matches despite the water scarcity in the city.
“We are aware of the situation and are in touch with the KSCA office-bearers. But we have another two weeks in hand before the first match here. So, we are confident of a smooth conduct of matches.
“The venue also complies with the norms of National Green Tribunal, so a system is already in place to tackle such scenarios,” said an official on conditions of anonymity.
(With PTI inputs)