The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on 11 April, Wednesday, confirmed that Chennai will not play host to the next IPL match scheduled in the city due to security concerns following violence during the first home game of the Super Kings.
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were to take on Rajasthan Royals at Chepauk on 20 April, and this match, along with all other home matches, have been shifted to Pune.
"CSK will be asked to move their home matches to Pune as the Chennai police has expressed their inability to provide adequate security for the remaining matches," IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla told reporters in Jaipur on Wednesday.
The following is the schedule for Chennai Super Kings’ upcoming home games in Pune:
20 April 2018 - Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals
28 April 2018 - Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians
30 April 2018 - Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Daredevils
5 May 2018 - Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
13 May 2018 - Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
20 May 2018 - Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab
According to a press release, fans who had purchased tickets for the remaining matches can get their refunds at the Chepauk stadium’s ticket counter. The last date to avail refunds is 20 April, read the release.
Tuesday night’s game was allowed to carry on as per schedule despite massive protests over the Cauvery water sharing issue, which were held inside and outside the stadium while the game was in progress. The match itself had a few nervy moments, starting with the toss being delayed due to match officials being unable to enter the stadium as planned.
CSK were scheduled to take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chepauk on 5 May, and that match is also unlikely to be held in Chennai. On 28 April, CSK is scheduled to play Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils on 30 April.
Violence in Chennai
There was a major security scare in the eighth over of the first innings on Tuesday, when shoes were thrown in the direction of Faf du Plessis and Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja was fielding on the boundary line at the time. Thankfully, the footwear missed Jadeja and was spotted by du Plessis outside the boundary. Four individuals were immediately arrested following the incident. Supporters were also spotted burning yellow jerseys of the CSK players.
Outside the stadium, many fans wearing CSK T-shirts were attacked by protesters.
Several activists, including actors, were detained due to their involvement in the anti-IPL protests by pro-Tamil parties in Chennai. Police were successful in chasing away agitators in certain areas.
There were over 4,000 security personnel on duty on Tuesday who ensured the safety of players, officials, media personnel, broadcasting crew and allowed the match to be played.
‘Heartbreaking’ That Chennai Won’t be the Venue: CSK Players
Many players the team took to Twitter to express how ‘heartbreaking’ the shift was.
IPL's most popular franchise CSK has made a comeback to the league after serving a two-year suspension on charges of spot-fixing in 2013.
(With TNM and PTI inputs)
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