Udupi: No KPL Matches in Manipal – Matches Relocated to Chinnaswamy Stadium
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SB)
Udupi, Sep 19: The cricket crazy of undivided Dakshina Kannada districts are in for a disappointment as the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Saturday September 18 finally cancelled the Manipal leg of the KPL with incessant rains playing the dampener. The matches scheduled at the Manipal End Point Ground and were to be held between September 22 and 24 are now relocated to the Chinnaswamy stadium here.
In a press release, B K Ravi, one of two KSCA assistant secretaries confirmed the same. Earlier, KSCA assistant secretary Sudhakar Rao, the one-man committee, inspected the ground and the pitch at Manipal on Saturday morning and had informed that the decision will be taken in Bangalore on the possibility of holding matches. Accordingly, he sent a report that the ground was not in a playable condition. Accordingly, the matches are now relocated to Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore.
Speaking to presspersons, he had said, “Though the pitch is very good for holding cricket matches, the field is still wet and damaged and it will take at least two days with good sunshine to get dry, provided rain does not play spoilsport. “As per weather forecast, heavy rains are expected in the next 48 hours. The possibility of holding matches seems to be excessively remote,”
However, he added, “If we cannot hold the KPL matches, we will have 20-20 under 22 cricket match in the ground in the future,” he informed.
Earlier, the Mysore matches too had been moved back to Bangalore owing to sponsorship issues. With the latest decision of no matches to be played in Manipal, KPL’s foray outside Bangalore is now only restricted to Hubli, for six matches from September 25 to 27.
Revised Schedule for September 22-24 at Chinnaswamy Stadium
September 22: Provident Bangalore vs Mangalore United (2.45 pm), Belagavi Panthers vs Shamanur Davangere Diamonds (6.30 pm).
September 23: Mangalore United vs Malnad Gladiators (2.45 pm), Bijapur Bulls vs Mysore Maharaajas (6.30 pm).
September 24: Provident Bangalore vs Malnad Gladiators (1.45 pm), Bangalore Brigadiers vs Shamanur Davangere Diamonds (5.30 pm).