Rajasthan Royals, winners of the IPL 2008, may not have the opportunity to play in their home stadium during the upcoming Indian Premier League 2024 season. The Rajasthan State Sports Council closed down Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh Stadium, the city’s only international cricket venue, after the local cricket association didn’t pay its outstanding fees to the sports council.
Rajasthan Royals are scheduled to kick off their new season against KL Rahul’s Lucknow Super Giants at the Sawai Man Singh stadium on March 24th. According to the IPL schedule released by the BCCI for the first 21 matches, Rajasthan is also set to play two more matches at their home venue against the Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Rajasthan Royals’ Home Ground Sealed Off Just One Month Ahead Of IPL 2024
Reports suggest that the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) failed to pay its dues and liabilities to the state’s sports council. Sohan Ram Choudhary, the secretary of the sports council, sent a notice to the RCA regarding this matter. After receiving no response, the Rajasthan Sports Council issued another notice, demanding that the RCA surrender their property at the Sawai Man Singh stadium, including the local cricket academy.
Despite receiving consecutive notices, the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) did not respond to the sports council’s requests. Consequently, it was decided to seal the SMS stadium in Jaipur. Sohan Ram Choudhary, the secretary of the state sports council, disclosed to media outlets that the RCA had received a substantial sum of INR 200 crore. However, their failure to pay their dues led to the sealing of their property.
Rajasthan sports council secretary told PTI:“We had sent them (RCA) numerous notices but there was no reply from their end. They only replied to increase the MoU to 10 years from eight years. They had liabilities and they did not fulfill them. We have sat down with RCA to find a solution.”
He added: “They received approximately Rs 200 crores but told us that they haven’t received the sum. They had a lot of money during the Rajasthan Premier League but they did not adhere to the MoU and did not deposit the money, that’s why we had to take this step.”
Sohan Ram Choudhary emphasized that sealing the Sawai Man Singh stadium would not affect its role as the host venue for Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2024 matches. He clarified that the stadium belonged to the Rajasthan Sports Council, and reclaiming it would not hinder the organization of IPL and international matches.
“This is our premise and we just took it back. The IPL matches will happen and all other national and international matches will also happen and the players will get all the facilities.”
