IPL matches in Jaipur contingent on RCA holding elections, says BCCI

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued an ultimatum to the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), stating that IPL matches can be held in Jaipur only if the RCA holds elections to establish an elected body.

IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal said, "We had written to the state body last time around that until and unless they conduct the RCA elections and get an elected body in place, it would be difficult for us to take the IPL to the venue. As of now, they have not conducted the elections, and the facility, as such, has to be looked at by the franchise to see if they find it fit enough to host their games."

The RCA has been administered by an ad hoc committee appointed by the state government, headed by Deen Dayal Kumawat, for the last two years. Jaipur has been the home centre of the Rajasthan Royals for 18 years. It was previously reported that Rajasthan Royals management explored the option of holding its matches in Pune.

The RCA stated it has had no communication from the BCCI but has been in touch with the RR management. Kumawat said, "From our side, we are prepared to host IPL matches at the SMS Stadium in Jaipur. We have held discussions with the RR management. If the BCCI has any issues with the RCA, we will take them up with the state government and address them as well."

Dhumal elaborated, "We had already communicated to them last year that in case they are not able to organise these elections, it would be difficult for us to conduct the tournament there. As of now, that has not happened. So, until and unless they conduct those elections and a newly elected body comes in, and the facility is good enough to take care of IPL games, we will watch the situation and take the right action in due course."

Separately, Dhumal expressed confidence about hosting IPL games in Bengaluru, another centre under scrutiny following a stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium in June. "I have had a word with the officials from the KSCA. They are in touch with the state government. They have had a fruitful meeting, and we are very positive that we will get Bengaluru as the venue."