A day after Punjab Kings wrote a letter to BCCI requesting them to consider Mohali as a venue for the 14th edition of the IPL, the franchisee has now decided to accept BCCI’s decision as final and not challenge or question it further, “in the best interest of the nation”
“Kings Punjab has decided to take this stand that whatever BCCI decides on this issue we will accept it in the best interest of the nation, We don’t want to complicate matters at all. We had raised our concern to BCCI in a letter but we understand that BCCI and IPL governing council will take decisions keeping national interest in mind and we will fully support and cooperate with them,” Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon told Inside Sports on Thursday.
“There has not been any official communication yet regarding the finalisation of venues. Punjab Kings are very keen to host matches at our home ground in Mohali. It’s not really a question of losing revenues as spectators may or may not be allowed in person at any stadium. It’s a question of losing home advantage. So we are very keen to have Mohali as one of the venues and talking to BCCI on a day to day basis on the possible inclusion of Mohali as a venue for this decision. But we will abide by whatever decision they take and not create as an issue out it,’ the top Punjab Kings official said.
Meanwhile, IPL Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel on Thursday made it clear that all the concerns of the franchisees regarding the venues will be addressed during the meeting to be held shortly in Ahmedabad.
“Date for IPL governing council meeting has not been finalised yet. It could be in person or may be through video. It’s yet to be finalised. We will let you know. But it will be held very shortly. All the concerns of the franchisee regarding the venues and the itinerary will be addressed during the genda of the meeting,” IPL Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel told Inside News over the phone.
IPL Chairman said that only the Governing Council was authorised to come out with a final list of venues and everything will be considered before arriving at a decision during the meeting. “There is no point in speculating about the venues. All decisions are taken only during the meeting. All I can say is nothing on venues has been decided as yet and it will only be finalised after consultation with and listening to the concerns of the franchisees. We are adopting a wait and watch policy as of now.”
IPL sources indicated that the meeting could be held shortly after the completion of the fourth Test match and a final decision on whether it will be physically attended by members or be held through video conference will also be taken soon.
