Amazed over the decision of Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) for not having included Mohali Cricket Stadium as one of the venues for the upcoming season of Indian Premier League (IPL), Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday took to twitter to urge BCCI to reconsider its take.
He said Mohali in the past had hosted a number of cricket tournaments and even now it can host the premier T-20 tournament by taking all safety precautions, therefore BCCI should reconsider its decision.
Capt Amarinder Singh on twitter said, "I am surprised at the exclusion of Mohali Cricket Stadium for the upcoming IPL season. I urge and appeal to @BCCI & @IPL to reconsider their decision. There is no reason why Mohali can't host IPL and our government will make all necessary arrangements for safety against #Covid19”.
So far, the BCCI has shortlisted Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Chennai as potential venues but it is yet to take a final call on the matter, say sources.
Mumbai was also on the list as one of the venues; however, considering the spike in covid-19 cases, the BCCI may not take the risk of hosting the IPL there.
The 2020 IPL was held in Dubai with no audience but there are reports that the upcoming season in India will be held having live audience at the stadium. The BCCI will give a SOP and both the stadium managements as well as the spectators will have to abide by the covid precautions and other norms.