Paris-like terror attack anticipated during IPL 2016, Kings XI Punjab tell BCCI

Will the IPL be subject to a Paris-style terror attack?

In some shocking developments being reported by Mumbai Mirror, IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab have sent a letter to BCCI, intimating the parent body that the security situation in Mohali is so risky that the team are not willing to expose its players, fans and officials during matches of the 2016 IPL.

The letter speaks about the current law and order situation in Punjab, and says that in the wake of the Paris attacks that shook the world, the team is not willing to accept the responsibility of ensuring safety.

An explosion at the Stade de France started off a chain of terror attacks in Paris last month, during an international match between France and Germany, and the threat reaches up to the IPL as well, according to the Kings XI authorities.

"Recent world events like the unfortunate attack outside the Paris football stadium lead us to believe that the focus on security needs to be heightened and we would not like to willingly expose our players/fans in a venue that seems a greater risk at the present moment," the franchise has said, requesting the BCCI to shift their home matches to Pune and Dharamsala instead of Mohali.

The letter, dated November 29, and addressed to IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla with copies marked to BCCI president Shashank Manohar and secretary Anurag Thakur, goes on thus:

"We believe that these issues are a risk to the players and fans and as a franchise we cannot take any risk of accepting responsibility or liability for any failure or breakdown in the state machinery.

"In recent months, Punjab as a region faced issues related to terrorism and local unrest, which are extremely serious in nature. The Punjab region was in turmoil as recently as a month ago when copies of the Granth Sahib were burnt; as a consequence of that incident which came on the heels of the alleged Pakistani terrorists captured in the region, the DGP was replaced — the situation is that tense," the letter says.

Other reasons why KXIP could possibly want a move

However, a less sensational reason as to why Kings XI Punjab want to shift from Mohali has also been offered. Indian Express report that the team are facing trouble with local authorities over logistical matters, and also that there has been low turnout for the Kings XI matches at Mohali.

A BCCI official has said, “One reason for Kings XI moving away from Mohali is because they are having difficult times with local authorities. Also, the turnout for the IPL has been disappointing. Not too many people turn up. Whereas venues like Dharamsala and Pune have been good for them.”

However, it is unforeseeable that the alternative venues will be handed over to Kings XI right away, as the two new teams scheduled to enter the fray in 2016 could also be from these two cities.

However, if the request is indeed granted, Kings XI will be the first IPL team to have changed home venues.