Home Minister issues warning to IPL

The IPL is set to be held in South Africa

The Indian government has again stressed that it will not be able to ensure security cover for this year’s IPL, as its dates clash with general elections. IPL matches are scheduled in between April 9 to June 3.

Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said, “We have conveyed to the BCCI [Board of Control for Cricket in India] that we will not be able to provide security to IPL matches. Our forces will be deployed for security of Lok Sabha elections. So, how we can give them forces.”

It is understood that the Home Ministry would be able to provide security to the tournament only after the general elections, which are due to begin early April and expected to be completed by mid-May.

The BCCI has several viable options for holding the matches – South Africa, Bangladesh and UAE. A final decision on this issue is likely soon.

It is pertinent to add that owing to the recent poor performances of the national team, the IPL seems to be the only way to revive the interest of the masses. Thus, it is crucial that at least some matches are held in India.