IPL 2016: Ratnakar Shetty writes to Mumbai, Pune, Punjab franchises over water woes

The IPL COO asked if they are willing to provide drinking water to the drought-hit places in Maharashtra.

Mumbai, April 13: Indian Premier League (IPL) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Ratnakar Shetty has written to Mumbai, Punjab and Hyderabad franchises about the water crisis in Maharashtra. In the letter, Shetty wrote concerns regarding drought situations and mentioned that the board was expected to provide drinking water to places in Maharashtra reeling under the scorching heat. He asked if they are willing to provide drinking water to the drought-hit places.

As per a CNN IBN report, the Mumbai franchise has agreed to provide water and instead use sewage to maintain the IPL ground. A confirmation is expected from the other two franchises before the hearing today. On Tuesday, the court asked Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to consider shifting matches out of the state following the water issues the state has been facing since long. The High Court also asked BCCI if they could provide 40 lakh litres of water and insisted use of recycled sewage water for 17 IPL matches that will be held in Mumbai and Pune. (Also Read: Bombay High Court orders forensic test of water used for IPL opener)

According to the Mumbai Cricket Association’s (MCA) lawyer, the treated water will be supplied by Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITF) thus helping water crisis in Mumbai. NGO Loksatta Movement had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) which stated that 60 lakhs of water will b used for the cricket pitches which will host IPL matches in Maharashtra.