Reports: Delhi Daredevils might be forced to shift home matches outside Delhi
As Chennai Super Kings prepare to shift their home matches from Chennai to Pune for the eleventh edition of IPL, there are fresh reports that Delhi Daredevils might have to move out of their home stadium, Feroz Shah Kotla as well.
The RP Mehra Block of the stadium, also known as the Old Clubhouse, which houses TV cameras along with 2000 spectators falls under the 'unauthorized construction bracket'. As a result of which, the Delhi high court might not allow the Indian Premier League authorities to host the cameras there, affecting their broadcast plans adversely.
The block helps the broadcasters in providing the angle from behind bowler's arms to the viewers and if the court decides against installing cameras and allowing media personnel in the block, DD will be forced to move out.
While the matter is expected to be heard on 18th April, DDCA want the same to be heard on Friday itself as they won't be left with ample amount of time to shift venues in case the decision comes on Wednesday.
IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla, however, is optimistic that the court will allow the broadcasters to install cameras and the matches will go ahead as planned.
“We are hoping the court, which may hear the case in a day or two, allows cameras and the media in that section. If it does allow that, then we will definitely host the matches at Kotla,” said IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla.
Daredevils chief executive officer Hemant Dua added that as of now, they are not planning to move out of their home ground.
“As far as we are concerned, we are playing all our matches here. As of now, there are no plans to move the matches out to any other venue,” Daredevils chief executive officer Hemant Dua said.
Delhi host KXIP on 23rd April in their first home match of the season and if they are forced to move outside Delhi, one of Kanpur, Rajkot and Raipur might get their home matches.