The Board of Control of Cricket for India (BCCI), in its working committee meeting here, today decided to take a final decision on the venue for the 7th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket championship after the Election Commission (EC) announces the dates for the general elections. It may be mentioned that the Centre had informed the BCCI that it would be difficult to provide adequate security for the IPL matches as the tournament schedule coincides with the general elections.
In view of the Centre’s stand, the BCCI has shortlisted Bangladesh, South Africa and United Arab Emirates (UAE) as possible alternative venues for the IPL matches, sources said. The meeting, presided over by BCCI president N Srinivasan, however, made it clear that unlike the 6th edition of IPL, the 7th IPL would be scam-free and fair.
“We have taken specific measures to curb match-fixing. We have set up an anti-corruption team that would keep a close watch on the activities of the players. Besides, we have informed the franchisees and the players to be careful about such unethical practices”, IPL chairman Ranjib Biswal told reporters here. Replying to the questions from media persons regarding the change of Team India coach, the BCCI president said there has been no decision taken in this regard as the BCCI has decided to continue with the present coach.
He also said that the BCCI would take a decision on the report of its special committee on according permanent Test venue status to Barabati stadium in Cuttack soon. The three-member special committee had visited Barabati stadium yesterday and was satisfied with the existing infrastructure and facilities for holding Test matches.
“Though the BCCI has not made any announcement in this regard, it has been decided that the Test matches would be held at Barabati stadium from 2015 onwards on permanent basis”, honourary secretary of Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) Ashirbad Behera told reporters after the meeting.
Expressing concern that India does not have an umpire empanelled by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the meeting decided to take up capacity building and training of the umpires presently officiating in the domestic tournaments.
It was decided that an umpires’ academy would be set up at the zone level to test the aptitude of the umpires. Regular examinations would be held in which the selected umpires would be elevated to level-I and level-II.