Kotla loses 2000 seats, but not the IPL!

The Delhi fans can heave a sigh of relief after a solution was reached following a threat to the IPL matches in the Capital.

In a late development on Friday, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) Administrator Justice (Retd) Vikramajit Sen told The Hindu, “As of now the matches will be held at the Ferozeshah Kotla.”

The situation cropped up following a 1996 case regarding the safety of the old Club House which has a seating capacity of 2000 apart from the media enclosure. The DDCA had been managing the problem by securing temporary safety clearances every season.

For the forthcoming matches, beginning on April 23, there will be no spectators at the old Club House. “We will have a skeletal presence in the enclosure. We have decided to give access to only the broadcasters since the camera positions and view for the commentators is important. The media, numbering 65 accredited journalists, would have to be accommodated at another spot but we shall find a way,” said Justice Sen.

Recently, the Chennai fans were left disappointed after the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had to move to Pune, with the local police refusing to provide the necessary security in the wake of the Cauvery agitation. The Ferozeshah Kotla has been saved a similar situation but at a huge loss to GMR, the Delhi Daredevils franchise.

“I know we are going to suffer financial losses because we can’t sell 2000 prime location seats. In addition, we have to adjust the media in another spot. But we will take the losses in our stride because the fans matter to us,” said Daredevils CEO Hemant Dua.